Ashley Brajaé. Born in Oakland, California and raised in the Bay Area, Ashley Brajaé is making her way as a filmmaker by telling stories, that bring truth, rawness and passion to the screen. Growing up middle class with a diverse community she brings a sense of flavor, sophistication and culture to her work. Her storytelling shines a light on communities that contiues to elevate and change the narrative on how we see the world.
Django Schrevens Da Silva is a 27-year-old Belgian-Brazilian screenwriter, director and actor based in Brussels.
His acting credits include Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth's "The Fifth Season" (selected in official competition at the 2012 Venice Film Festival), Nicolas Steil's "Chemin Du Bonheur" and more recently, Jessica Woodworth's "The Fortress". He has co-written and co-directed several projects around the First World War from 2018 to 2022: including a short film in virtual reality (co-produced by FILMS DE LA RÉCRÉ, RTBF and SCOPE) presented at Tribeca "11.11.18: VR experience" and a self-produced feature film "11.11.18". "11.11.18" is a feature film in German, French and Dutch shot in Belgium in 2018. He is also currently working on various projects as a screenwriter and script consultant: among them, a series in development "The Lizard Queen" with IRIS production (LU) where he is part of the writing and directing team.
Rubi Demargot. When I heard about what was happening to young theater students in Belgium, I felt that the time had come to talk about it, since I myself was morally harassed a few years ago in Brazil. This subject touches my heart and even as a victim in adulthood, the scars are visible and my person changed.
These women, of whom I speak, are barely twenty years old. Their life paths have just begun and they are already facing all kinds of pressure and depreciation. We must act, and quickly, so that this silence, which surrounds all forms of harassment and which terrorizes these victims, turns into a cry of denunciation.
This unhealthy "trend" is very common in the performing arts teaching community in Belgium and this film is an echo of it, a voice for those who remain in silence. The intention is to show the damage that moral harassment can do. The need to make it recognizable, identifiable. Simply to make people talk about it.
What I would like to share is the result of our experiences: broken self-esteem, fear of going to work, blocked throat, pressure at every step, and many problems in personal relationships.
Karanja is a Kenyan filmmaker born and raised in Nairobi and is inspired by the beauty and authenticity of African storytelling. He wants his audience to be moved by the stories he tells. His works have been selected and won awards at the AMVCA, Zanzibar International Film festival, Carthage Film Festival, Kalasha International, and Kisima Film Festival, among others. He was part of the inaugural class of the Multichoice Talent Factory program. He recently completed a film residency international class at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, was awarded the One World Media 2020 Fellowship, and recently attended the Ouaga Film Lab 2022.
Jade "Charon" Robertson is an Assistant Professor at Medgar Evers College, and groundbreaking intercessory artist, choreographer, and filmmaker whose work explores how dance can be used as a ministry to uplift people of color and heal all people. Charon's spirited and soulful movement style earned her the coveted Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship at BAM and the New York Live Arts Fresh Tracks Residency. Her dance film, Recharge, speaking directly to the racial dialogue happening in Black America, received critical acclaim when it premiered online in 2020. She was also awarded the 2020 Hicks Choreographer Fellowship from the School of Jacob's Pillow. As a filmmaker, her work has been accepted and awarded in festivals and conferences such as the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, MKE Film Festival, American Dance Festival Movie By Movers, The Outland Dance Project Dance Film Festival, and the National Women in Dance Leadership Conference. In 2016, Charon’s film Reverse, caught the attention of the New York Times, and she and her company were interviewed and featured by the publication and aired on their social media platforms. Her dance vocabulary mixes Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, Gospel, and movements from the Afro Diaspora. Charon received an MFA in Dance from the University of California, Los Angeles and a BA in Dance and Theater from Columbia College Chicago. She recently released a children’s book titled, “Gold: Made Just for You.
GNEPA KOUBE GBOUBE LUC. After 7 years of academic training in dramatic art, sanctioned by 3 diplomas, Luc GNEPA engages in the audiovisual and film industry. Self-taught and passionate, he is hired as a post-production manager by the SCENARII agency, producer of successful series, including the series "LE GRIN" and "CONAKRY" broadcast on the A+ channel. He then began writing scripts. The series "LE DEAL" produced by the agency BONUS MULTIMEDIA and broadcast in 2019 on the national channel of Côte d'Ivoire, RTI 1, is for now the greatest illustration. This step opens the doors of the realization, where he illustrates himself in a beautiful way, touching almost all the genres (commercials, awareness capsules, short and feature films etc. ...) for multinationals and international organizations. Today, at the head of LUCIDES STUDIOS, his audiovisual production agency, Luc GNEPA has created and directed the program "CAFE CINEMA" broadcast on the national channel of Côte d'Ivoire RTI 1 and "TRIBUNE LIBRE" broadcast on the digital channels of the NGO FRIEDRICH NAUMANN. Luc GNEPA is married and has two children.
Jazz Pitcairn, writer/director, is an award-winning writer, director, and producer from the Cayman Islands, best known for writing on HBO’s Emmy-winning series, A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW. At 17, Jazz was nominated for Best Local Filmmaker at the Cayman International Film Festival and proceeded to continue her career at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Thereafter, Jazz worked for several major studios like A24, HBO, and Apple TV+ before landing as a Writer on A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW at just 23 years old. Jazz is most passionate about telling introspective character-driven narratives that shine a light on Afro-Caribbean stories.
Drew Tank Garrett was born in Tucson Arizona to Wil and Espanola. They moved to Los Angeles Shortly after his birth. He studied acting at Van Nuys Performing Arts Magnet School. He watched his Father Wil Garret also an actor for years work in Hollywood and inspired to follow in his dads footsteps. In 2015 Drew started his own independent film company, Black Moses Entertainment. Drew is currently writing, acting and directing short films music videos and other projects He has a 24 years old daughter Alexandria Garrett and a 10 year old son Andrew DeVaughn Garrett who also inspires to be an actor.
Derrick Manieca is a cinematographer, photographer, editor and filmmaker currently based in Harare . With over 7 years of Experience through working with International development organizations, NGOs, financial institutions including banks and telecommunication companies, his portfolio spans through a vast spectrum of projects that include tv commercials, wedding cinematography , documentaries and short films. Derrick's experience spans across Africa having worked in Botswana, Benin, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Unspoken" follows Julia, as she returns to her small village to confront her estranged mother and the unresolved issues that have kept them apart for so long. The film takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as Julia struggles to navigate her complicated relationship with her mother, and her past.
As she delves deeper into her past, Julia begins to uncover the truth about her mother and the reasons for their estrangement. The film crosses both worlds as it takes us through Julia's journey of self-discovery, as she tries to understand her mother's perspective and come to terms with her own feelings of guilt and regret.
As Julia reconnects with the people and places of her childhood, she begins to realize that the past is not always as it seems. And that the truth can be both painful and liberating. The film explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the impact of secrets and unspoken truths on those relationships.
Ashley Brajaé. Born in Oakland, California and raised in the Bay Area, Ashley Brajaé is making her way as a filmmaker by telling stories, that bring truth, rawness and passion to the screen. Growing up middle class with a diverse community she brings a sense of flavor, sophistication and culture to her work. Her storytelling shines a light on communities that contiues to elevate and change the narrative on how we see the world.
Django Schrevens Da Silva is a 27-year-old Belgian-Brazilian screenwriter, director and actor based in Brussels.
His acting credits include Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth's "The Fifth Season" (selected in official competition at the 2012 Venice Film Festival), Nicolas Steil's "Chemin Du Bonheur" and more recently, Jessica Woodworth's "The Fortress". He has co-written and co-directed several projects around the First World War from 2018 to 2022: including a short film in virtual reality (co-produced by FILMS DE LA RÉCRÉ, RTBF and SCOPE) presented at Tribeca "11.11.18: VR experience" and a self-produced feature film "11.11.18". "11.11.18" is a feature film in German, French and Dutch shot in Belgium in 2018. He is also currently working on various projects as a screenwriter and script consultant: among them, a series in development "The Lizard Queen" with IRIS production (LU) where he is part of the writing and directing team.
Rubi Demargot. When I heard about what was happening to young theater students in Belgium, I felt that the time had come to talk about it, since I myself was morally harassed a few years ago in Brazil. This subject touches my heart and even as a victim in adulthood, the scars are visible and my person changed.
These women, of whom I speak, are barely twenty years old. Their life paths have just begun and they are already facing all kinds of pressure and depreciation. We must act, and quickly, so that this silence, which surrounds all forms of harassment and which terrorizes these victims, turns into a cry of denunciation.
This unhealthy "trend" is very common in the performing arts teaching community in Belgium and this film is an echo of it, a voice for those who remain in silence. The intention is to show the damage that moral harassment can do. The need to make it recognizable, identifiable. Simply to make people talk about it.
What I would like to share is the result of our experiences: broken self-esteem, fear of going to work, blocked throat, pressure at every step, and many problems in personal relationships.
Karanja is a Kenyan filmmaker born and raised in Nairobi and is inspired by the beauty and authenticity of African storytelling. He wants his audience to be moved by the stories he tells. His works have been selected and won awards at the AMVCA, Zanzibar International Film festival, Carthage Film Festival, Kalasha International, and Kisima Film Festival, among others. He was part of the inaugural class of the Multichoice Talent Factory program. He recently completed a film residency international class at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, was awarded the One World Media 2020 Fellowship, and recently attended the Ouaga Film Lab 2022.
Jade "Charon" Robertson is an Assistant Professor at Medgar Evers College, and groundbreaking intercessory artist, choreographer, and filmmaker whose work explores how dance can be used as a ministry to uplift people of color and heal all people. Charon's spirited and soulful movement style earned her the coveted Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship at BAM and the New York Live Arts Fresh Tracks Residency. Her dance film, Recharge, speaking directly to the racial dialogue happening in Black America, received critical acclaim when it premiered online in 2020. She was also awarded the 2020 Hicks Choreographer Fellowship from the School of Jacob's Pillow. As a filmmaker, her work has been accepted and awarded in festivals and conferences such as the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, MKE Film Festival, American Dance Festival Movie By Movers, The Outland Dance Project Dance Film Festival, and the National Women in Dance Leadership Conference. In 2016, Charon’s film Reverse, caught the attention of the New York Times, and she and her company were interviewed and featured by the publication and aired on their social media platforms. Her dance vocabulary mixes Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, Gospel, and movements from the Afro Diaspora. Charon received an MFA in Dance from the University of California, Los Angeles and a BA in Dance and Theater from Columbia College Chicago. She recently released a children’s book titled, “Gold: Made Just for You.
GNEPA KOUBE GBOUBE LUC. After 7 years of academic training in dramatic art, sanctioned by 3 diplomas, Luc GNEPA engages in the audiovisual and film industry. Self-taught and passionate, he is hired as a post-production manager by the SCENARII agency, producer of successful series, including the series "LE GRIN" and "CONAKRY" broadcast on the A+ channel. He then began writing scripts. The series "LE DEAL" produced by the agency BONUS MULTIMEDIA and broadcast in 2019 on the national channel of Côte d'Ivoire, RTI 1, is for now the greatest illustration. This step opens the doors of the realization, where he illustrates himself in a beautiful way, touching almost all the genres (commercials, awareness capsules, short and feature films etc. ...) for multinationals and international organizations. Today, at the head of LUCIDES STUDIOS, his audiovisual production agency, Luc GNEPA has created and directed the program "CAFE CINEMA" broadcast on the national channel of Côte d'Ivoire RTI 1 and "TRIBUNE LIBRE" broadcast on the digital channels of the NGO FRIEDRICH NAUMANN. Luc GNEPA is married and has two children.
Jazz Pitcairn, writer/director, is an award-winning writer, director, and producer from the Cayman Islands, best known for writing on HBO’s Emmy-winning series, A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW. At 17, Jazz was nominated for Best Local Filmmaker at the Cayman International Film Festival and proceeded to continue her career at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Thereafter, Jazz worked for several major studios like A24, HBO, and Apple TV+ before landing as a Writer on A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW at just 23 years old. Jazz is most passionate about telling introspective character-driven narratives that shine a light on Afro-Caribbean stories.
Drew Tank Garrett was born in Tucson Arizona to Wil and Espanola. They moved to Los Angeles Shortly after his birth. He studied acting at Van Nuys Performing Arts Magnet School. He watched his Father Wil Garret also an actor for years work in Hollywood and inspired to follow in his dads footsteps. In 2015 Drew started his own independent film company, Black Moses Entertainment. Drew is currently writing, acting and directing short films music videos and other projects He has a 24 years old daughter Alexandria Garrett and a 10 year old son Andrew DeVaughn Garrett who also inspires to be an actor.
Derrick Manieca is a cinematographer, photographer, editor and filmmaker currently based in Harare . With over 7 years of Experience through working with International development organizations, NGOs, financial institutions including banks and telecommunication companies, his portfolio spans through a vast spectrum of projects that include tv commercials, wedding cinematography , documentaries and short films. Derrick's experience spans across Africa having worked in Botswana, Benin, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Unspoken" follows Julia, as she returns to her small village to confront her estranged mother and the unresolved issues that have kept them apart for so long. The film takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as Julia struggles to navigate her complicated relationship with her mother, and her past.
As she delves deeper into her past, Julia begins to uncover the truth about her mother and the reasons for their estrangement. The film crosses both worlds as it takes us through Julia's journey of self-discovery, as she tries to understand her mother's perspective and come to terms with her own feelings of guilt and regret.
As Julia reconnects with the people and places of her childhood, she begins to realize that the past is not always as it seems. And that the truth can be both painful and liberating. The film explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the impact of secrets and unspoken truths on those relationships.
