Bonus: Mahershala Ali and Benjamin Cleary (Live from AFI Fest)

The Envelope - A podcast by Los Angeles Times - Thursdays

Live from AFI Fest, "Swan Song" director Benjamin Cleary and actor Mahershala Ali discuss the heartbreaking inspiration for the film, the challenges of shooting during a pandemic, and improvising scenes with Naomie Harris. Plus, Ali shares why every role — from a commercial to "Blade" — is equally important to him.