Perhaps best known for her Emmy-nominated series “Parks and Recreation,” Amy Poehler currently serves as co-creator, executive producer, and the lead voice of Fox’s animated series “Duncanville” and is the co-host and executive producer of “Making It.” The “SNL” alumna also serves as executive producer on the series “Harlem” at Amazon, “Baking It” at Peacock, “Russian Doll” at Netflix, and “Three Busy Debras” at Adult Swim. She is making her documentary directorial debut with Amazon’s “Lucy and Desi.” Her other directing credits include Netflix comedies “Moxie” and “Wine Country,” which she also appeared in.

“Lucy and Desi” is screening at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, which is running online from January 20-30. More information can be found on the fest’s website.

W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.

AP: “Lucy and Desi” is a documentary exploring the love story and professional partnership that was Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The film follows the big talent and bigger swings the two took that changed the industry. But also it’s a story about love, family, and two underdogs who made their most beautiful music together.

W&H: What drew you to this story?

AP: So many things — talking about the different ways people approach process; my personal love and admiration for them both; the simple story at the core of most relationships which is rupture and repair; the opportunity to direct my first doc.

W&H: What do you want people to think about after they watch the film?

AP: How impressive it was that two outsiders completely changed the face of the business, but how both would probably consider their lifelong relationship and the family they created as their biggest success.

Hopefully, the film shows not only how much has changed, but how much has stayed the same, especially for women and performers of color.

Also, I would like to be reminded what a hot and powerful couple these two were, and how funny and good their work is many decades later.

W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?

AP: Lucy and Desi, like most American icons, have been flattened into two-dimensional Halloween costumes. I wanted to remind the world that they were passionate and complicated people. Humans made of flesh and blood who didn’t live black and white lives.

W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made. 

AP: Imagine produced the film along with White Horse and asked me to direct and I jumped at the chance.

W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

AP: This is a hard question to answer succinctly. There are many reasons. The opportunity and privilege to get to tell a story. The satisfaction of creating something from nothing. The fun of collaboration. Being able to show and not tell. Films connect us and make us feel things and there is no better feeling than having a job that does those things.

W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?

AP: Best? Keep an open and curious mind. And when you’re given bad advice forget it immediately and don’t repeat it in interviews.

W&H: What advice do you have for other women directors? 

AP: You’re ready.

W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.

AP: Well, it’s very hard to name just one or a “favorite” but let’s say Lilly and Lana Wachowski’s “The Matrix.” Because, duh.

W&H: How are you adjusting to life during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you keeping creative, and if so, how?

AP: If “Russian Doll” has taught us anything, time is a flat circle and Thursdays are just a “concept.” So on we go.

W&H: The film industry has a long history of underrepresenting people of color onscreen and behind the scenes and reinforcing — and creating — negative stereotypes. What actions do you think need to be taken to make it more inclusive?

AP: Representation on the screen still matters. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were both ahead of their time in what they reinforced and created. A Latino man who was the boss, beautifully dressed, and never the butt of the joke. A strong and hilarious woman who knew what she wanted and was in charge of her own performance and path. Seeing these two people in your living room in the 1950s cannot be underestimated in how it changed the minds of America