Writer-director Dee Rees’s historical epic Mudbound, based on the novel by Hillary Jordan, details the daily hardships and vicissitudes of farm life in Mississippi during the post–World War II era. In anticipation of the New York Film Festival premiere, the director spoke with us about the humanistic and historical scope of the story, as well her excitement bringing the film to this festival.

Mudbound opens on November 17, courtesy of Netflix. To see more events from the 55th New York Film Festival, as well as Film Society events throughout the year, subscribe to our YouTube channel!