Thoughtful Reflections: NPSFI
“I became an artist—and thank God I did—because we are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life.” ~ Viola Davis
I will never forget that sunny day when I was home alone after school scrolling through my Twitter feed.
A long time fan of Nate Parker, I came across a tweet from him on my timeline which was calling for young aspiring filmmakers to apply to the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute.
Right away I started jumping up and down in my kitchen. I was overwhelmed with joy at the very thought of the opportunity to work with such an incredible individual. All of this excitement- and I hadn't even applied yet.
The Nate Parker Summer Film Institute was an answer to prayer.
There have been many nights growing up where I brought my film career aspirations to God.
"Lord, please give me a sign that this is the will you have for my life. I feel this is my passion and my calling, but if you would have me do something different, I pray that you reveal this to me. Amen."
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, He heareth us"
~ 1 John 5:14-15
That sunny afternoon in my kitchen, overcome with joy, I felt that my prayer had already been answered. And it was.
The summer of 2016 was my first time on a film set. I collaborated with the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute, joining a group of filmmakers to create an original short film. We also enjoyed cultural workshops and specialty workshops highlighting the different areas of filmmaking such as directing, screenwriting, acting, editing, etc.
The experience affirmed my pursuit of a career in filmmaking and writing.
I studied the art of screenwriting under the training of Radha Blank an incredibly talented Hollywood screenwriter and producer who's worked on projects such as She's Gotta Have It and Empire. Writing a film is long, hard, draining work. One idea gets thrown out, then you spend about ten minutes building onto it. Another idea gets thrown out, and suddenly the old idea is out of the window and you're back to square one. With a strict deadline of just a few short days to create our short film, the screenwriters and I invested long hours to complete the story.
Our short film was well worth the hard work.
# follows the story of a young debater who must overcome trauma and the loss of his friend, a victim of police brutality, in order to move forward.
I am proud to be an alumni of the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute.
Building relationships and staying in touch with the members and mentors from the summer of 2016 is a gift that keeps on giving. I know that I can always send them a script or pitch an idea for critique and feedback. All of us have gone on to do big things. For example, one alumni was accepted to NYU Tisch School of the Arts and another has been acting on shows such as Last Man Standing and Ballers.
Those 30 filmmakers are a tremendous support and a constant source of empowerment and motivation for me as an artist.
One of the most impactful highlights of the summer 2016 institute was when Nate Parker addressed us as colleagues at the premiere event of our film.
If ever I needed a confirmation for my passion for film and the purpose God has given me to be a storyteller, that was it.
Class of Summer 2016
Fast forward to this past summer - Summer '17 - I had the opportunity to return to the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute as a mentor/ volunteer. Trey Khali, Jalea Jackson and Rebecca Echols - alumni from the previous summer, were also able to return and share their creative talents.
We welcomed the new class of aspiring filmmakers, and I couldn't be more excited.
I was able to both facilitate our events and be a support to my peers as well as continue studying the craft of filmmaking.
I challenged myself to branch out from screenwriting, and I was able to improve my videography skills.
There's something truly magical about holding a camera.
Suddenly, you have the power to capture life (literally) through your own lense.
I enjoyed filming some of our group discussions and breakout sessions that would later be edited into a documentary.
Being back at Wiley College was surreal.
After all, it was the place that I discovered my voice as a screenwriter.
It was the place where I began beautiful, lasting friendships.
It was a creative bubble where black talent flourished and thrived.
What a privilege it was to reinvest my creative talent with a new group of artists while also developing screenwriting and videography skills.
The Institute's sophomore film was spectacular.
Baggage, explores the relationship between two sisters divided by colorism.
I feel so privileged to have been a part of this Institute for not one but TWO years in a row!
I can only imagine all the wonderful things to come in the future.
Director Solamon Quigley, summer '17 created this summary video about our experience this summer. Check it out!
To anyone with a dream or unanswered prayer:
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS.
I went from watching the Great Debaters with my family to shaking Nate Parker's hand as I walked across the stage at our film premiere.
Your blessing is just around the corner.
He hears you.
You are not forgotten.
If you are waiting to be affirmed in your passion or purpose, simply call on Him.
Walk boldly into your destiny.
Class of Summer 2017
To everyone involved with the planning, organizing and execution of the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute, I send my sincerest thank you. It has been pivotal in my spiritually, personal, and artistic journey.
From the Nate Parker Foundation, to generous donors, to the mentors, to my peers, to Nate Parker himself - I am proud to call you all my film family.
Much love.
By the way, Radha Blank is a writer on Spike Lee's upcoming Netflix series She's Gotta Have It, which is set to be released on November 23, 2017. Based on his 1986 film, the series follows Nola and her three lovers.
ABOUT THE NATE PARKER FOUNDATION:
The Nate Parker Foundation leverages film and philanthropy to transform the quality of Black lives through education, social justice, and economic empowerment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
The Nate Parker Foundation
914-304-4290
filminstitute@nateparkerfoundation.org
1130 Bedford Ave, #36
Brooklyn, NY 11216
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