After what seems like a long road to UK cinemas, the acclaimed true story Loving is finally arriving in UK cinemas and given a fresh impetus after star Ruth Negga was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress last week. We sat down with her and writer/director Jeff Nichols to discuss the extraordinary true story of one couple’s love amongst insurmountable odds.
The film is based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Negga), a young couple who were married in 1958 in Washington DC. They actually lived in Virginia but due to anti-miscegenation laws they had to leave the state in order for their marriage to be considered legal, but on their return home they are arrested and sentenced to a year in prison. However, the judge presiding over the case decided that the couple could leave on condition they moved from Virginia for a period of 25 years.
Negga discussed her shock that the couple and their story were not as well known as they should have been given all that they had achieved and was touched by the couple’s story and their connections. She also spoke about how powerful she found The Loving Story, the acclaimed documentary made in 2011 by filmmakers Nancy Buirski which told of the Loving’s journey to find justice.
Loving is the latest film from writer/director Nichols and after making Mud and Midnight Special, he said it was rare to find to find a story that talks about so many different and very prevalent issues (such as racial complexity, equality) in all of its forms without being preachy or political. In times such as these, Loving is certainly a timely story.
You can watch the full interview in the player below.
Ruth Negga & Jeff Nichols Loving Interview
Loving is released in UK cinema this Friday, February 3rd.
