Will Packer believes that the world is in need of more Black rom-coms.
Speaking with TheGrio, Packer shared how he wanted to create a film centered on joy with You, Me, and Tuscany starrgin Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page.
“This movie is hopeful, it’s about joy,” Packer said. “It is a romantic comedy, and it shows in every sense of the word. I think we need that now more than ever.”
“The world is so heavy right now,” Packer said. “The world is tough, it’s upside down. Now, that’s not new; it has been tough before, and we’ve gotten through these moments. But one of the reasons that we get through it is community.”
Packer also spoke about how he hopes people will get back to watching films in theaters as a community.
“People say, ‘When’s it coming out on Netflix?’ No, uh-uh, you’re missing the point. This is all about the big screen. Sit in the dark theater, sit with somebody, it may be a stranger to your right or your left. And fall in love with the concept of love again.”
Shot entirely in vineyard in Tuscany and Rome, Packer says that all aspects of Black love should be represented on the big screen.
“Healthy Black love is true, it’s honest, it is not pretentious, and it’s transparent about what it wants and what it’s looking for. That is healthy Black love,” Packer explained. “No trauma needed.”
Packer also shared how challenging it is to make films today.
“It’s hard to get any movie made right now, and this movie is no exception,” said Packer.
THE POWER OF HBCUS
A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Packer shared how attending a HBCU shaped him into being the creator that he is.
“From an HBCU, you can get anywhere,” Packer said.I am where I am because I found my voice at Florida A&M University without a doubt. At an HBCU, you are not othered; you are central. You are centered, you can find a belief in yourself that you may not even know that you have.”