Boots Riley wants to 'compel and repel' you

Filmmaker and rapper Boots Riley discusses his latest film, *I Love Boosters*, a satirical exploration of women shoplifters in the Bay Area who redistribute luxury goods to underserved communities. Riley argues that capitalism creates inherent contradictions, and his work aims to make these visible by focusing on the physical, visceral realities of the system rather than abstract theory. Drawing on his background as a labor organizer, he emphasizes that art should serve as a catalyst for class struggle, compelling audiences to engage critically rather than passively. By "showing the seams" of his filmmaking—incorporating textured, handmade elements—he challenges viewers to look beyond distorted media narratives. The conversation also highlights the influence of his parents' activism and his belief that art must remain optimistic even when confronting the grotesque nature of systemic inequality.