Kevin Costner Says Being from Compton Makes Diversity in Films Important to Him: 'I'm Conscious of Race'

"I can't [check] every box every time I try to make a movie, but I'm absolutely conscious of what's at stake in trying to represent people," the actor-director said

Kevin Costner explains he is "conscious of race" as he addressed diversity in his new Western epic Horizon: An American Saga.

During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival May 20, the actor and director explained, "I lived in a place called Compton, California. I funded a movie called Black or White; it was my version of a level of racism that exists in our country, Compton and Beverly Hills.”

He added, "I can't [check] every box every time I try to make a movie, but I'm absolutely conscious of what's at stake in trying to represent people."

"I probably fail and succeed at every turn, but my aim is true," said Costner, 69.

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Related: Chiwetel Ejiofor Urges Hollywood to Tell More Diverse Stories: 'It's Not Just About Numbers'

Costner was also asked during the press conference about representation of Native Americans in Horizon, specifically whether audiences will see "more of their perspective" in the next films "instead of them being more antagonistic presences in the story."

Costner responded in part that Native Americans "become very, very dominant" in the multi-part saga's upcoming sequels.

"The movie is a journey — it’s not a plot movie, and the Native Americans are represented," the two-time Oscar winner continued. "I don’t feel the need to try to balance the story."

He added moments later, after speaking about parallels to 1990's Dances with Wolves, "I couldn't, for one, begin to actually be the person that sets the record straight for Native Americans or African Americans or anybody. I just try to make it as real as I can."

Related: Kevin Costner Moved to Tears by 10-Minute Standing Ovation for Passion Project Horizon in Cannes: 'I’ll Never Forget This'

Costner wrote, directed and stars in Horizon, which made its world premiere at Cannes on May 19. The movie received a 10-minute standing ovation following its premiere at the festival.

While speaking with GQ about the project, Costner recalled his decades-long journey toward its fruition and revealed he has spent roughly $38 million of his own money making the series so far.

“That’s the message I want my kids to understand about who I am: that I do what I believe in,” he told the outlet of taking the financial risk. “I have fear like everybody else. I don’t want to be humiliated.” 

Though the fact that Costner took out a mortgage on his family's home in Santa Barbara, Calif., to help fund the series' first two films has made headlines, the Field of Dreams actor noted he has not risked his children's permanent living situation.

“I mean, it’s okay, maybe I lose that. But it’s: Have I lost myself?” he added.

Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 is in theaters June 28, then Chapter 2 is out Aug. 16.

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