The Final Call

A Conversation with filmmaker Allen Hughes

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(L-R) Ashahed M. Muhammad interviews Filmmaker Allen Hughes during “The Book of Eli” forum at Saviours' Day 2010. Photo: Timothy 6X

Allen Hughes, is one-half of the directing duo The Hughes Brothers, responsible for other film classics such as “Menace II Society” and “Dead Presidents.” The Book of Eli is a 2010 American post-apocalyptic film starring Denzel Washington.

Mr. Hughes spoke about the importance and spiritual background of the movie and its relation to modern times.

“The movie is a spiritual journey that embodies all aspects of religions creating a oneness. From the clothes that Denzel Washington's character Eli wears throughout the movie, and bringing out the Native American, Muslim and Christian lifestyle, to the sounds and music of different ethnic backgrounds all in one setting,” he said.

Asked about his inspiration for making movies with a message, Mr. Hughes said, “When getting a script, the movie has to speak to me and if it speaks to me, or moves me or my brother, that's number one, and it doesn't have to necessarily be spiritual or a message type script. We make movies that make statements. We focus more on what statement the movie will make because I think there is a difference between making a message movie which is kind of corny and making a movie that has a statement,” said Mr. Hughes.

Audience member Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, another presenter at this year's Saviours' Day convention praised the movie having seen it six times. In a humorous moment, Dr. Vanzant described Denzel as “eye candy” or a more preferably healthier “eye tofu.” Along with her review of the movie, Dr. Vanzant asked if any one of her five books (all New York Times best sellers) could be made into a movie?

“I will do the research,” Mr. Hughes answered.

The session was informative and entertaining for those in attendance.