We continue our series on the films of Denzel Washington with the 1991 romance ‘Mississippi Masala’ – directed by Mira Nair and starring Washington and Sarita Choudhury in her first role. The film tells the story of Mina and her family, ousted immigrants from Uganda due to their Indian heritage. Now living in Mississippi and running a small motel business, Mina meets and falls in love with Demetrius (Washington), a charming young carpet cleaner.

We welcome first-time special guest Jess Halee to discuss how the film manages to balance all its different plotlines: racial tension, historical context, and the central romance. Plus, the background of Nair’s career leading up to the film and how its production led to meeting and marrying the man who would become the father of Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City.

We also give you a quick ketchup corner, including discussion of The Pitt Season 2 and The Sheep Detectives.

Check out Jess on IG @mofo4eva and their work on the upcoming PBS documentary series ‘CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN AMERICA’

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