"Beyond the Lights" is officially in theaters and inspiring audiences around the world. Under the direction of "Love and Basketball" creator and writer, Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film follows the passionate love story of two young leads. The main character, Noni, is a famous singer preparing to drop her first album. Though she has the fame and attention she worked since childhood to claim, she is silenced by everyone around her and made to be an over-sexualized object of affection.

When Noni reaches her breaking point, she tries to commit suicide and meets a loving, strong cop named Kas (played by Nate Parker) who rescues her from taking her own life. Without giving too much away, their love gives Noni a reason to live and a reason to live in her own truth.

EXCLUSIVE Interview with MTV's & Power 105.1's Charlamagne tha God 

In part one of our exclusive interview, Gina Prince-Bythewood gives Enstars a look behind the scenes and what made the idea come to life in the first place.

Gia Peppers:  How did you come up with the concept for the film?

Gina Prince-Bythewood:  The idea for the story actually came when I was at an Alicia Keys concert. I always write to music. It's a huge part of my creative process. But, it came to me when she performed "Diary" in an epic duet with another singer. After that, the story and characters just came together in this really exciting story.

I started doing a lot of research on the music industry and I love hip-hop. It's my favorite genre but there's a major problem with hyper-sexuality. I really wanted to touch on that with the main character, Noni. I wanted to explore the damage that can be done. In no way am I shaking the finger at hip hop, but there are so many people out there pushing the envelope. Now, everyone feels like they have to do the same, even when it's not authentic to who they are. Eventually, they become trapped in that public persona.

GP: Other than the sexuality the film touches on, you created this timeless love story. Do you feel that there are not enough of them, these days?

Gina Prince Bythewood:  Absolutely... It's been 14 years since "Love & Basketball." It was important for me to not make a romantic comedy just because that's what people like to see. I wanted to create a real love story that focused on two characters of color as the leads. These days, we don't get to see that. There are so many negative images out there and we needed something to contrast them because there are men of color that love and honor women. There are women who expect to be given the world and know that real love is power.

It's exactly what happened when "The Cosby Show" aired and critics said it was an unrealistic portrayal of black families. I know black doctors and lawyers with families of their own. It's the same with my story, it's out there. It's real!

Stay tuned for part two and our red carpet coverage. Go see "Beyond the Lights," in theaters nationwide on Nov. 14. Plus, watch an exclusive interview from the premiere, below.

Tags: beyond the lights movie gina prince bythewood nate parker beyond the lights