I’ve been thinking about this film project for over a year. In the last several months, I’ve been sketching out all my ideas and finalizing them. I’ll be filming in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina this summer. I have big plans AND I’m also aware that my plans are subject to the Universe’s highest ideas. In this moment, I’m planning to accomplish three things while I’m filming in The South this summer:
#1 Documenting the journey. I’m planning to capture my thoughts, experiences, and spiritual practices along the way. I’ll be driving across five Southern States for three weeks, with my son as my production assistant. I’ll be staying in different cities and connecting with various communities (faith-based and secular) along the way. I have plans to visit historic sites in every city (sites that are connected to the story of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, Civil Rights, etc…) I’ll be capturing it all and folding it into my first film about religion, faith, and spirituality.
#2 Documenting faith-based stories. I’m planning to talk to faith-based folx in the cities I visit. I’m also planning to visit faith-based communities and attend services whenever there is an opening. I’ve been reaching out to folx whose stories I’d love to include in my film. Through this film, I’m planning to explore this essential question: What role does religion, spirituality, and faith play in ending the violence, injustice, and inequities we face today? Here’s more about what I’m planning to cover in this first film. I’m finalizing names and dates now. As I confirm interviews, I’ll plan to share on this blog and social media. Follow me on IG and TikTok. I’m also planning to enter communities with humility and respect. That means, listening more than speaking; getting consent every step of the way; and making this film with communities (as a collective project for Us and by Us).
#3 Supporting Black-owned businesses along the way (and documenting them whenever possible). I believe in supporting Black-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, Women of Color-owned, and Native-owned businesses. I am planning to do that with intentionality throughout this journey. I promise to share pictures and details whenever possible.
If you’re located in one of the five states I’m planning to visit, you can reach out to me at freedomnarrativesfilm@gmail.com for more information.
I’ll document my journey on this blog on a weekly basis.