Gabourey Sidibe on being a director: ‘I didn’t realize I was smart enough’

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Gabourey Sidibe has directed a short film which is part of Refinery 29’s Shatterbox Anthony series of short films directed by women. It’s called The Tale Of Four and one of the featured actors is her friend and Empire costar, Jussie Smollett. You can watch it here, it’s inspired by Nina Simone’s song “Four Women” and is said to show “the harrowing realities of the mothers, daughters, and undaunted revolutionaries fighting back against police brutality and the specter of mass incarceration.” I watched Gabby’s film and it struck me more as a slice of life story about four different women, two whom were teens, facing deep challenges. There was one revolutionary-type character coping with her son’s murder by a police officer, but it was more a look into the conflicts women deal with that are just a part of everyday life. It premiered this summer at the Nantucket film festival and was made available on Refinery 29 in late October. I’m sorry I didn’t see it until now! Incidentally she did direct the film, but it was written by Ayanna McMichael and Kia Perry. Gabby did an interview with Access Hollywood about The Tale of Four last week, and that’s how it came to my attention. You can see that interview on Access Hollywood’s site and here’s what she said.

It’s really interesting to now be a director. I didn’t think that I was good enough or smart enough to be an actress. I didn’t know that I was smart enough to write a book and I did. I didn’t realize I was smart enough to be a director and did that. The lesson to learn is that I’m constantly wrong about myself.

What’s so great about being the boss is what I say goes. It’s not like I’m the boss of our friendship, Jussie and I are really good friends.

[From Access Hollywood]

I’m actually reporting this because I appreciate what Gabby said about not thinking she was good or smart enough but doing it anyway. She reminds me so much of other highly accomplished women who have discussed imposter syndrome and overcoming that, or just dealing with it and still moving forward with their plans and careers. It’s a message I needed to hear. Gabby has impressed me ever since she was promoting her book. She’s matter-of-fact, open and funny and I enjoy her interviews.

The Tale of Four moved me and I feel like I need to watch it again to fully get some of the nuance. It was somewhat depressing but it felt realistic and poignant, like real life, without overhyping the drama. I won’t spoil it in case you want to watch it. You can see it on YouTube or on Refinery 29 and it’s just 23 minutes long. Gabby has said that she loves directing, that she finds it empowering and will do it again so we can look forward to more from her.

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photos credit: WENN

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10 Responses to “Gabourey Sidibe on being a director: ‘I didn’t realize I was smart enough’”

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  1. KLO says:

    If I wasnt a fan before, I am now 🙂

  2. KBeth says:

    I like her too, very talented young woman.

  3. Margo S. says:

    I’m so glad she decided to try her hand at directing! With her life experience, I want her to one day direct a feature film!

  4. Her Higness says:

    I am inspired by her so much its scary, I am so afraid of success and the scrutiny that comes along with it. Bless her !!!

  5. Sky says:

    I’m such a big Fan of Gaby, she so cool.

  6. Lilly says:

    These stories really help me keep balance, and counteract, the other stories of the day.

  7. Jess says:

    She is so great. There was a great interview with her that I just read which is where I learned about the movie. She is definitely inspiring: http://www.refinery29.com/2010/10/175793/gabourey-sidibe-the-tale-of-four-movie-interview

  8. I Choose Me says:

    Yes! I loved the short though it was difficult to watch at times. I love her and I’m so glad she’s not only found her voice but is letting it be heard loud and clear. What she said about not thinking she was good enough to be this or that really resonated with me also.

  9. Lucy2 says:

    Every time she does something awesome like this, I want to rub it in the faces of everyone who declared she’d be a one hit wonder.
    I love that she is directing and I hope she gets many more opportunities to do so.

  10. Tara says:

    I had no idea she was directing. Awesome discovery during otherwise dark days.