Director Stephen Williams and writer Stefani Robinson joined TheWrap and Shutterstock’s Interview and Portrait Studio at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival to discuss their new film “Chevalier,” a period drama about a Black 18th century classical composer who faced constant racism even as his music won the favor of Marie Antoinette.
Played by “Luce” star Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the film, Chevalier de Saint-Georges — born Joseph Bologne in Guadeloupe in 1745 — was the child of a white French plantation owner and an African slave. Taken to Paris at an early age for his education, Saint-Georges became a prodigy both as a fencer and a violin player.
‘Chevalier’ Filmmakers Shine a Light on a Brilliant Black 18th-Century Composer Admired by Marie Antoinette (Video)
TIFF 2022: Director Stephen Williams and writer Stefani Robinson discuss their film about Joseph Bologne, a prodigy from the French Revolution era