Family origin: African American
Hometown: Chicago
Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Producer
Areas of Focus: Education, Social Issues, Music Videos
Website for more info: www.kinshipfilmworks.co
Q: I know you've been working on Apples and Oranges for some time, what
inspired you to make the documentary?
A: I was living in Oakland at the time when I was getting into organic and locally farmed food. The nearest grocery store was a sad sight with rotten fruit and bad smell. It angered me to think that food was yet another way poor people were being slighted.
Q: What are the general themes you wanted to explore as a filmmaker and/or invoke as an audience member in the documentary?
A: Equality and empowerment - I want the communities represented by this film to take a stand and make a change for themselves. People don't have to wait for corporations to grow a conscience and care about the little guy. People should set the example for corporations.
Q: What would you say, is the documentary's strengths and weakness?
A: The film's strength is that it speaks to people of color. Black and Brown people are most effected by this issue but other documentaries have yet to address them specifically. As for the film's weakness, not enough representation on the side of corporate grocers. I need the grocers lobbying organization and even store managers/CEOs to realize this film isn't meant to defame them. This film is a platform for meaningful dialogue and real action planning.
Q: What was your role?
A: I am the producer and director.
Q: Is there anything you loathe about your job? If not, what are some of its challenges? A: The utmost challenge to being an indie filmmaker is raising money. Surely, I will get better at it as I go.
Q: Did anything surprise you while making the piece? ( if any)
A: The story changed from simply about health to include the economy of the neighborhood - The loss of grocery stores means less jobs and much more.
Q: What did you shoot it on?
A: We shot on a CANON XHA1
Q: What are the positive aspects to using the cam?
A: Small and agile!!
Q: What are the negative aspects to using the cam?
A: I think I'll go with the card next time.
