Danny Boyle gets honest about cultural appropriation in 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Danny Boyle is proud of his Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, but he would never make the film in the current times.

Boyle’s 2008 film followed an Indian boy named Jamal, whose struggle growing up in the slums provides him with the answers to all questions in a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-style show.

The movie was filmed in India and depicted the country and its culture.

“We wouldn’t be able to make that now,” the 28 Years Later director told The Guardian.

“And that’s how it should be. It’s time to reflect on all that. We have to look at the cultural baggage we carry and the mark that we’ve left on the world," he continued.

Boyle noted that they hired an Indian crew, but argued that it's still a flawed method since the he and other executives were still outsiders.

"At the time it felt radical. We made the decision that only a handful of us would go to Mumbai. We’d work with a big Indian crew and try to make a film within the culture. But you’re still an outsider. It’s still a flawed method." remarked.

He continued: "That kind of cultural appropriation might be sanctioned at certain times. But at other times it cannot be. I mean, I’m proud of the film, but you wouldn’t even contemplate doing something like that today."

"It wouldn’t even get financed. Even if I was involved, I’d be looking for a young Indian film-maker to shoot it," he noted.

Boyle’s latest film, 28 Years Later, is in cinemas now.