Come in, projector! They Die By Dawn--the star-studded black cowboy flick directed by Jeymes Samuel AKA The Bullitts and starring Erykah Badu and a who's who of black Hollywood that includes Rosario Dawson, Michael K. Williams and two more fistfuls of the best actors in the world--made it's official premiere at SXSW 2013 followed closely by a NY premiere at Tribeca Cinemas last week. Okayplayer TV was on hand for both events and grabbed exclusive behind the scenes interviews with Samuel, stars Michael K. and Isaiah Washington as well as cinematographer Rodney Charters, renowned as the DP for the cult series 24. In addition to providing some historical context for the true-life setting of the film in 'Black Wall Street" AKA Lincoln, Nebraska, Samuels and crew briefly address the most baffling mystery about the project--how the hell did he manage to assemble so much talent in the middle of the California desert to make this thing? Watch below (and stay tuned for a possible part 2 to address an equally baffling mystery: where in the world is Jay Electronica? as the elusive rap genius worked closely with Jeymes Samuel on his unreleased Roc-A-Fella album)

Videographer + Editor: Craig Gorkiewicz