101 Quotes by Dee Rees

Creatively, I just like interesting characters. So straight, gay, or whatever - like, whatever, wherever the characters are coming from or their lifestyle.

I'm interested in telling stories about characters that are interesting and who are challenging in some way, one that will make you think about them afterwards.

Having to stake out your identity and have people question whether or not you're being yourself was a tension that I could relate to.

I grew up listening to Mary J. Blige's music. When I initially met her, it was like, 'Oh, wow. I'm meeting this woman whose music was the soundtrack of my college years.'

In an industry that's uncertain and when you're in a lot of situations that are anxiety-causing, to have someone there who has your back unconditionally and cares for you and the material and would give anything to make sure everything is OK, makes you feel so much better. It gives you a sense of security as an artist.

To me, if you can do the Wicked Witch live, you can play anybody.

I grew up in Nashville in a white suburb. We lived next to a Klan member. We didn't see hoods, but my dad knew that guy was a Grand Dragon.

Coming-of-age stories, people roll their eyes.

My ultimate dream was just to be an auteur.