EVE’S BAYOU: Director’s Cut

EVE’S BAYOU: Director’s Cut

Directed by Kasi Lemmons • 1997 • United States
Starring Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Samuel L. Jackson

“The summer I killed my father, I was ten years old . . .” So begins Kasi Lemmons’s spellbinding feature debut, an evocative journey into the maze of memory, steeped in fragrant southern-gothic atmosphere. In 1960s Louisiana, a young girl (Jurnee Smollett) sees her well-to-do family unravel in the wake of the infidelities of her charming father (Samuel L. Jackson)—setting in motion a series of deceptions and betrayals that will upend her world and challenge her understanding of reality. Rooted in Creole history, folklore, and mysticism, EVE’S BAYOU is a scintillating showcase for a powerhouse ensemble of Black actresses—including Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, and the legendary Diahann Carroll as a voodoo priestess—as well as a profoundly cathartic exploration of trauma, forgiveness, and the elusive nature of truth.

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EVE’S BAYOU: Director’s Cut
  • EVE’S BAYOU: Director’s Cut

    Directed by Kasi Lemmons • 1997 • United States
    Starring Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Samuel L. Jackson

    “The summer I killed my father, I was ten years old . . .” So begins Kasi Lemmons’s spellbinding feature debut, an evocative journey into the maze of memory, steeped in fragrant southern-goth...

Extras

  • EVE'S BAYOU Director's Cut Commentary

    This commentary track, recorded in 2002, features director Kasi Lemmons, producer Caldecot Chubb, cinematographer Amy Vincent, and editor Terilyn A. Shropshire.

  • Kasi Lemmons on EVE’S BAYOU

    In this interview, recorded in New York in June 2022, director Kasi Lemmons discusses her background, creative process, and key collaborations, along with the path that led her to making EVE'S BAYOU, her first feature film.

  • Dr. Hugo

    This 1996 short film by Kasi Lemmons, shot by Amy Vincent and produced by Caldecot Chubb, was a proof-of-concept piece for EVE'S BAYOU. DR. HUGO stars Vondie Curtis Hall as the titular 1950s doctor, who makes house calls to the beautiful but lonely housewives in his town. It is presented here in ...

  • EVE’S BAYOU Cast Reunion

    In this conversation, recorded in February 2021 at the New Orleans Film Festival and moderated by Zandashé Brown, director Kasi Lemmons; actors Lynn Whitfield, Meagan Good, and Jurnee Smollett; and composer Terence Blanchard discuss the profound impact that working on EVE'S BAYOU has had on their...

  • Terence Blanchard on EVE’S BAYOU

    In interviews recorded in June 2022, director Kasi Lemmons and composer Terence Blanchard discuss their friendship and their work together on the soundtrack for EVE'S BAYOU, which was the first of five collaborations to date, includidng four films and an opera.

  • Photo Album: Amy Vincent

    This new program presents black-and-white polaroids taken by cinematographer Amy Vincent to test the lighting before each shoot.