Nate Parker is a filmmaker that was supposed to be one of the brightest up-and-comers in Hollywood. After the incredible festival debut of his previous film, “Birth of a Nation,” Parker was poised to have a massive awards season run. However, when sexual assault allegations from his time in college resurfaced, the filmmaker left the public eye and his awards aspirations vanished. Now, years later, he’s back with his new film “American Skin,” which recently premiered at Venice. And unfortunately for Parker, it appears ‘Skin’ has found itself in an unfavorable situation, but this time due to the project’s negative critical reception.
Based on a paltry seven reviews, “American Skin” currently has a 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, with Variety offering the sole positive review. And Variety is also the outlet that has an interview with Parker, where he explains why he’s not concerned with those negative reactions to “American Skin.”
READ MORE: Nate Parker Apologizes For Being “Tone Deaf” In His Response To Past Rape Allegations
“I made this film for people to see it,” Parker said. He then went on to describe the film as a “call to action.”
While many view festivals as a way for critics and fans to get an early look at certain films before they get their larger theatrical rollout, for many projects, Venice and the ilk are showcases for potential distributors. In the case of Parker’s “American Skin,” Venice was supposed to be a place where the film succeeded and picked up much-needed distribution.
The report from Variety does say that there are some distributors that are still interested in “American Skin,” despite its not-so-favorable critical reception. And as for Parker, he doesn’t “care what people say about me, what they think about me.”
“My only job is reflect society,” he added. “Sometimes that reflection isn’t an image people want to see, but I’m an artist so I try to stay away….I’m not here to make a headline.”
We’ll have to see how “American Skin” fares as it plays more festivals throughout the fall and attempts to find distribution. At this point, however, it appears that controversy continues to follow Parker and his films, which is probably the last thing the filmmaker wants.
