Dear Mama: Through Afeni Shakur, Allen Hughes discovers Tupac

Director Allen Hughes was initially hesitant to make a Tupac Shakur documentary. Allen and his brother had been friends with Shakur as they directed the rapper’s first three music videos in what Hughes calls an “intense year-long relationship.” After that, the Hughes brothers began shooting their 1993 debut film Menace II Society but fired Shakur from playing one of the leading roles. Shakur and some associates assaulted Hughes, sending him to the hospital with minor injuries. Hughes filed charges, and Shakur spent 15 days in jail.

Thirty years after the assault, Hughes confronts the past with the five-part FX documentary series Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur. Hughes (The Book of Eli, The Defiant Ones) discusses his rocky relationship with the late rapper, how he unpacked the mythology of the larger-than-life star, and why examining the life story of Tupac’s mother was integral to the show.

Director, dancer Benjamin Millepied on remaking Carmen

Dancer, choreographer, and now director Benjamin Millepied’s feature film debut is an adaptation of the Georges Bizet opera Carmen, starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Barerra. Millepied tells The Treatment that he was attracted to the bittersweet story in part because of difficult experiences from his own past. He also talks about the fun of watching films to prepare for his first feature as director, and discusses the importance of a scene and a movie taking its time.

On This Side of the World finds love in unexpected places

In the new musical On This Side of the World, East West Players brings to life dozens of stories of Filipino immigrants’ experiences in the US.

“We follow a woman named Jemalyn. She is a Filipina who has boarded a flight to the US with a one-way ticket and a suitcase of stories,” explains co-creator, composer, and lyricist Paulo Tiról of the show’s story.

Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. How to make a friend in LA

Let’s face it — making friends as an adult is hard, and LA can be an isolating place. Last week, US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy called loneliness an epidemic that could threaten your physical and mental health.

Social media can help, but it’s not the same as connecting with someone face-to-face. “So many of the social structures that were just already baked into society or certain rhythms of gathering … most of those have been liquefied,” says USC Director of Belonging Cat Moore. “And so then we’re like, ‘Well, now what?’ Because most of us were not explicitly taught how to make a friend.”

Recently Greater LA asked KCRW followers: How do you make friends in LA? We got a lot of feedback, and with your suggestions and ideas from Moore, KCRW brings you a guide.