A Positive Mind cannot be denied...

I have been logging footage and getting some sort of an idea of where I'm headed with it. I had a draft of what I thought the documentary was going to look like but it has taken a mind of it's own.  Ha d terrific interview with one of the leaders from IMPACT Repertory Theatre and it was amazing. His back story and his goals for success in the future. I interviewed this amazing young brutha Carlton Taylor.  Just a burst of sunshine and refreshing as sum sweet tea on a hot summer day.  I was especially intrigued how humble he was to have performed in the OSCARS and still having a humble attitude.  Lord knows many of us wouldn't be able to contain ourselves and act like we were the shiznit . I hope to work this young talented Brutha in the future, hope to have an event in the fall where he can bring it. Yes he can sing his azz off, don't get it twisted.

Carlton Taylor, IMPACT REPERTORY Theatre

It was great to hear from this young brutha his thoughts on what needs to changed in society for it to be a better place. Just an all around great interview learned so much about him in the short amount of time we spent together.  It's ironic how he had a great deal of joy inside of him even after revealing his brother passed a year ago.  Just proud of spreading conscious messages from conscious people.  

Jamal Joseph has touched many lives and this is just one of them. If you want to see IMPACT Repertory perform come out Sunday. It's a FREE EVENT. Flyer posted below.

Live from Filmstress Row...This is the Filmstress...

Journey of a Filmstress...

As a filmmaker I can't help to say it's a ongoing journey and process to try to make a film that you love and your subjects are happy with.  I planned a few events and now is the time to focus on my own 100% I see the folks who will stand by me and the one's that will fall by the wayside for their own agenda.  It's quite clear now where my journey is headed. I am so happy that my app is up and out but have to build the content so that it has more than the website. Behind the scenes on shoots and the real shyt a filmmaker goes through in the process of making a film.

My plans for the film are to have folks download it from my app. All my films will can be seen through buying my app and advertising for other filmmakers and activists. I am excited about making content but at this point i have to research my audience to see where I fit in.

I have had so much drama with organizations politics it's not funny. I am excited that I spoke with Poets and Busboys and will be setting a date soon for a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. for the "Living Legendz" film series on the women I select.

Well it's back to editing and getting all my footage imported and logged. That is what I loathe in filmmaking but I must watch what I have already and set up interviews with the IMPACT kids.

I feel like I have a shyt load of responsibilities ahead of me and that is dramatic when I think about it.

Moving on to the next episode...

Go where your Celebrated not Tolerated!

Go where your celebrated, not tolerated!

Photography by Go Ikemoto

I woke up this morning around 4:15 a.m. tossing and turning couldn't sleep much.  I have had drama with my film process and feeling down I wasn't able to raise the 10k I needed to really shoot the way I wanted.  This week has been mind boggling trying to deal with institutions that attempted to put a cap on my creativity. I really don't quite understand why people keep hate and contempt for people that have made statements over thirty years ago.  But you know you can't try to understand why people do the things they do or you will be as twisted as they crazy azz...

I realized I should have turned the camera on myself because there has been enough drama around the film to have a mini series.

I called my old man but he wouldn't pick up the phone so I called my girl Fallon in L.A. knowing she's another filmmaker that would be up editing on one of her projects.  I texted her to see if she was up and she was so I told her I just felt like my project was unfolding underneath me and I felt like other people were dictating how my documentary would unfold. I was loosing my voice.  Then she said what I needed to hear 

"Go where you celebrated, not where your tolerated"

wow that shyt rang in my ears because that's just how I feel right now.  I need to fall back and review the footage I have and let the story reveal itself.  Like she said the story will create it's own storyline. But definitely include myself on how I feel and what I'm going through, that I need to document what an independent filmmaker really goes through.  I know my ancestors did not lead me on this journey to fail.   It's seriously hard to detach yourself and think film when there are other things going on distracting you.  But the key to success is having a balance

to when to keep filming when to turn it off an reflect. What is it that I'm missing, what is that is not working?  In our field of filmmaking, men tend to want to still be in charge no matter how hard you may think that men think equal of you they don't.  It's just a fact that men think they are in charge even when they know they aren't.  I realized from this point on that I have to make sure when I make a project, that I am clear on my process. I had a great conversation that lasted for over three hours this morning and it was inspirational and informing. I am glad that Fallon and I have agreed to work on a collaborative project.  I know where film and video is headed and I'm already on board.

I think as a woman filmmaker sometimes we doubt our talent.  

We tend to listen to others because we don't want to stir up things.  But sometimes it calls for a Sistah to stir up what we want in our films.    I definitely have felt I have been tolerated and will quickly make a change to that equation.  I am so excited because today I will review my footage and take time to reorganize what I have and organize all my data. 

I am back baby...

I have been inspired and know what I have to do. Yes it'a always good to have a filmmaker friend in the business you can bounce ideas and be rejuvenated. Sometimes we know what to do it takes someone else to tell you come on snap out of it!   

Fallon Davis

Thanks to Fallon Davis for the early morning inspiration!

Live from Filmstress Row... This is the Filmstress...

Rochester Blessings...

Rochester, New York @ 7am today

Blessingz, 

I woke up this morning pretty early around 5:35, made coffee ironed my clothes and Erin's. It was a quick weekend and week that just flew by.  It was good to be home visit with the family, Gerry and Dominque.  I was able to eat like I didn't have weight to loose. To be honest it felt good eating some good food and enjoying my family.  Erin got restless yesterday and fell asleep when I got to Trader Joe's. I couldn't believe I spent $92.00 on nuts but hey the mixture they have of nuts is fabulous though I know I could have shopped around but my time was limited.

Sachee got home late last night and I had to chew him out coming home late on a school night is not acceptable.  I was reassured by Ervin and Joval he is usually at home which I know he is. Why he came dragging his azz home late at 9:25 p.m. is not acceptableI don't care if he is 17.  I am was happy that Sachee passed his test for his permit Tuesday. Now it's up to him to practice and take the driving part which he should schedule to take in the next few weeks.

Me and Joval why he's looking cross eyed idk....lol

Joval spent some quality time with me last night and that was awesome. We sat on the bed with Erin and she played on the ipad mini watching one of her cartoons.  We watched the Knick game last night together and when I saw the Kicks getting behind 15 points is when I couldn't look on anymore.  I thought they were really gonna show the Celtics up but in the end they whopped our azz on our own turf.  It hurts being a true Knick fan but when you love your team you may be embarrassed but you have to stick with your team even when they let you down.

Ervin and I shared some nice lunches together we went to Panera Bread one day and Wendy's yesterday.  Our favorite at Panera bread is the salmon mediterranean salad, it's just ridiculous because it hits the spot and so healthy.  Ervin and I shared some quality time with conversation and just kicking it.  It felt good to be home with him and the kids though I wish I could really help him with the roof because it is going to have to get repaired soon. 

Enjoy the filming of spiderman have fun and enjoy the splendid weather Rochesterians! I really enjoyed my family this week and we all should be thankful for family even the ones that hurt us most, because at the end of the day that's all you have is family.

Live from Filmstress Row...This is the Filmstress!

Regrouping for change

Silence is an attribute of the dead; he who is alive speaks

Yoruba Proverb

I think everyday if possible we should revamp our lives. What is working for us and what is not.  I have noticed when I regroup and make lists for things that have to be done I get farther than no doing anything at all.  I noticed in life the people who I have grown and distant apart are the folks who are always planning what they are going to do and never fulfill the first step.  In order to be successful we must not give up and keep pressing on to with the bigger picture. That means stop talking about it and just do what needs to be done.

This weekend was fabulous to spend with my family, it was was long overdo to see my kids.  I am quite thankful my kids are healthy and full of life and energy.  Yesterday my four year old was high off of candy, she was running from one to room to another it was okay she was excited Mommy was home. So many doors have been opening and more to open before the year is out. It's a good thing when you know your ancestors are opening the doors because Lord knows I have been trying to get them to open for years.  I think this year I have finally come to grips on organizing my time which has to be revamped. Enough talking about it now is the time to be about it.

Live from Filmstress Row...This is the Filmstress

Artists & Mothers against Bullying

Yesterday, Najmah53 and myself came together to shoot one of her poems she made on bullying.  The country is in turmoil to bullying and has deep effects on our society when not dealt with. We are hoping that what we post will deter young individuals from taking their lives.  This is just a snipet and the full video will can be viewed on May 19th at the Shabazz Center. Please see flyer posted below and share.  

We are artists for a cause. 

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Bullying has to cease....

I am sincerely tired of this issue of bullying.  As in any case where I have had enough I have to shoot a video short against violence.  Another artist and myself will shoot a poem she wrote about bullying. It is  a serious issue and it needs to be addressed. Hopefully I can touch a life and preserve it from suicide or from another bullying someone else.  As an activist this is my duty to speak for the children who can't speak up for themselves.  It's a crazy world out there and if we don't address issue in our community and wait for someone else we may be waiting a lifetime.

Bullying video

Remember folks this could be your child and how would you feel if someone was bullying your precious child.

Live from Filmstress Row...this is the Filmstress