Michael Matthews, the Durban-born filmmaker behind the 2017 South African neo-western Five Fingers for Marseilles, shared his excitement over the news that his film played a role in inspiring Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter.
The 27-track album marks Beyoncé’s first move into the country and western music genre, and Matthews’s film was named alongside other inspirations such as Urban Cowboy, The Hateful Eight, Space Cowboys, The Harder They Fall, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Beyoncé reportedly watched these films during the album’s recording process, with each song serving as a tribute to America’s country and western genre.
Matthews, talking about this recognition to SowetanLIVE, shared his enthusiasm for the impact his work has had on an artist as influential as Beyoncé, and the potential for this to bring global attention to South African cinema.
Five Fingers for Marseilles, featuring actors Vuyo Dabula, Zethu Dlomo, and Kenneth Nkosi, received praise for its storytelling and visual style, winning multiple awards, including Best Film at the South African Film and Television Awards and Best Film in an African Language at the African Movie Academy Awards.
Beyoncé’s approach to Cowboy Carter was one of major experimentation, with the artist revealing that she recorded about 100 songs before finalising the album.
The film Five Fingers for Marseilles is available for viewing on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Michael Matthews (left) with a film award.
Image source: X
