I went to Friday evening’s Red Carpet event to talk to British director Michael Apted about his new film, the historical drama Amazing Grace. Although Apted’s name might not be familiar to everyone, many of his films are, including Coal Miner’s Daughter, Nell, Gorillas in the Mist, and Blink.

His newest film, which was screened at the festival last night, tells the true story of one man’s long, hard efforts to abolish slavery and the slave trade in late 1700s Britain. Before the film, Apted talked to me about what drew him to this story, the important ways the film speaks to world issues today, and how The Up Seriesis especially close to his heart.

Starz Denver Film Festival, spout.com podcast