Madonna says directing is "the hardest thing" At the premiere for W.E, Madonna said directing this film was the hardest thing she has ever done. The star admitted that while directing she found having to deal with being told "no" repeatedly very challenging but she learnt to overcome this. The singer also revealed she slept very little during the filming so found the process tiring but rewarding. When Madonna premiered W.E during the BFI London Film Festival, the movie received a standing ovation after the screening. W.E is being released on January 20.