Cracks in the Foundation is a short drama that explores generational trauma through the lens of a Black woman as she strives to prevent toxic cycles from happening within her family.

Director's Statement

Personally, I have done a lot of work to heal from the traumas that I went through as a child. With Cracks in the Foundation (my first film), I am taking viewers through a young woman's journey to healing. So both literally and artistically I am starting my journey into the film world from a place of healing. I hope that this film will at the very least be a conversation starter leading others to their own healing by shedding light on the importance of investing in one's mental health regardless of what stage you are at in life.

Crew

Tessie McCoy - Writer/ Director/ Producer

Tessie McCoy is a writer and filmmaker born in Sumter, SC. She began writing poetry at the age of 13 after the unexpected loss of her mother as a way to cope with her feelings. After writing in silence for over a decade she finally began sharing her gifts with the world. She has performed her poetry in venues from South Carolina to California, as well as at various middle and high schools where she shares her story of how poetry saved her life.

In 2021 Tessie wrote, produced, and directed her first short film, Cracks in the Foundation. After completing her film she began working on sets as a Production Assistant to gain more knowledge and experience. As a PA she has worked on productions for companies including Macro, A24, Apple+, and HGTV.

Tessie’s spoken word background lends to her screenwriting showcasing her unique voice and tone. She plans to continue to promote positive narratives of Black life and culture in her future

projects.

Tajianna Okechukwu - Co-Director/ Producer

Tajianna is an actor and filmmaker based in the Bay Area. She obtained a double degree in Acting and Film & TV Studies from Azusa Pacific University. After graduating, she returned home to appear in commercials & short films as well as direct her own films and music videos. Tajianna has worked largely as a Production Assistant for different well-renowned studios such as Amazon, Marvel, and A24. Tajianna is a proud mentee of the 2021 Screenwriting Mentorship from the well-renowned non-profit Made In Her Image.

Her 2019 mini-documentary Flexin’ in My Complexion and award-winning Co-Director & Producer short film credit for Cracks in the Foundation have both garnered a lot of success. Her films have been screened across Oakland and San Francisco in exhibitions and film festivals.

Some credits include: the SOMArts Cultural Center, Best Direction in WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival, Official Selection of Newark Short Film Awards, and Award Winner in the SF Indie Short Festival.

In her screenwriting and directorial work, she likes to explore narratives through the lens of the Black experience with an Afro-surrealist approach. Tajianna is always seeking to tell stories that will shift paradigms and shake culture in our society.

Seretse Njamanze - Cinematographer

Seretse Njemanze is a producer, director, cinematographer and editor, best known for co-founding the SF Bay Area film production incubator Black Film Connect in 2020. Boasting an extensive producer portfolio dating back to 2012 that began within the Bay Area music video scene, his portfolio has grown to encompass a vast body of independent short documentary, short narrative and commercial content.

Seretse’s breadth of production experience informs his screenwriting.

A keen eye for pacing and characterization, as well as a lifelong love of photography and storytelling, defines his work.

Joshue McGhee - Composer

Joshua McGhee (b. 1986) grew up in Fairfield, California and developed an interest in music as a young child. His passion for the art form flourished as a young teenager when he began composing his own piano, and symphonic pieces. Driven to continue his musical journey, he attended multiple universities, where he gained a reputation as a composer whose talents far exceed his formal musical education. Shortly after graduating college, Joshua began composing for the African American Composers Initiative and has been a commissioned composer almost every year since. Joshua has employed his talents by

working with at risk youth, where he mentored troubled children by incorporating music as a means to cope with the struggles of everyday life, directed middle school band and choir programs, and taught privately. Joshua is a multi-instrumentalist and the instruments he plays include: piano, guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, flute, piccolo, trumpet, drums, violin, viola, mandolin and voice. As a composer, Joshua’s diverse style includes classical, symphonic pieces, music for film and commercial purposes, and popular music.

Behind the Scenes: