FEBRUARY 2009 7
Daniels put it another way: “I felt like Joe Lewis in there. It was
not pretty.”

But, he also learned a great deal. He says he would go into a
debate confident about his opinion. But then the discussion
would turn and suddenly he was seeing the movie or the per-
formance from a different perspective.

“THIS IS NOT A LEISURELY PROCESS...
IT IS REALLY, REALLY HARD WORK. IT
WAS AS DIFFICULT AS MAKING A FILM.”
“We all bring our own baggage to the table when we watch
cinema,” he said. “I realized that when you hear a different
perspective, you end up watching a different movie than the
one you saw.”

Washington, who starred in such films as Ray and Lakeview
Terrace, said discussing the films gave her a new appreciation
for her craft and her fellow filmmakers.

“You spend hours talking about what is excellence in filmmak-
ing,” said the actress. “It allowed me to take inventory about
what I am doing and to get to know people in the business
who I have respected a long time.”

Watching all the films was also a reminder of the importance
of good storytelling—regardless of budget.

“I saw films that were made for no money and were just bril-
liant,” said Daniels. “I remember thinking that all I can do is my
best when I make my films.”

While neither Daniels nor Washington is ready to commit
themselves to next year’s selection committee, both say they
are proud to have served.

“The Friday night before the jury meeting, I said ‘I will never
do this again,’ while Monday morning I said ‘I can’t wait to do
this again!” she said.

Daniels says he feels good about the choices that were
made but that anyone interested in participating in the
committee should be forewarned: “It was not fun. It was
very rewarding work.”
LEE DANIELS, nominee Best First Feature for
The Woodsman, attends Film Independent’s
Spirit Awards with his daughter in 2005
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