Greetings once again, readers! With great pleasure and continued gratitude, I can now bring you the final interview (making up a trifecta of independent filmmaking talent) offered to me through director/writer/producer Michael Fels and his involvement with the recently completed short film, “GoFish”. We conclude with the film’s director and writer, Jamila J. Brown. A film that deals with two little girls–one African-American, one Jewish–in the aftermath of the Crown Heights Riots of 1991, Jamila took this time to share with OneFilmFan.com about her experiences writing this story, watching it evolve and come to life, as well as how her ventures into filmmaking influence the next steps she is aiming to pursue. Without further introduction, I bring you my interview with this denizen of the NYC-based independent film landscape.
One Film Fan: I always like to start out with some general background. Born and raised in New York, correct? How were you first drawn to the film industry, or was it even an initial consideration?
Jamila J. Brown: When did it become evident that it could become a career choice? I was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. It wasn’t until my senior year in college when I realized what I wanted to do. That year I submitted one of my screenplays into the Dan Masterson Writing award at my school and I won. So I thought—I might be good at this. I always loved writing and telling stories, but winning that award was a total boost of confidence!
O.F.F.: How did you further learn/enhance your skill set (ie: mentors, influences, and schooling)?
J.J.B.: I went to a liberal arts school where I studied communications and creative writing. Throughout my studies, I took 3 classes that really nourished my passion for storytelling: History of Cinema (A lot of Alfred Hitchcock!), Media Audiences, and Screenwriting. My mentor, director and editor Keith Miller, really was a major influence in me becoming a full on filmmaker. I use to feel like I was just “the writer” but he told me that if it’s your story, it should be your vision and that really stuck with me and ultimately led me to direct.
O.F.F.: What was the catalyst to take on directing as at least a facet of your film career, as I see from your bio you are a writer as well?
J.J.B.: After I got a taste of directing during the 7 day filming of “GoFish”, I was convinced that this was another title that I wanted to take on in life. Connecting with actors, being the driving force behind the vision of a film —-yelling action; feels as good as when you finish the last sentence on a feature length script!
O.F.F.: How hard is it to find consistent work in writing or film while living in New York? I can only imagine the level of competition in “Hollywood East”, even at the indie film/writing level, has to be tough and requires a definite amount of perseverance and fortitude. Is that an accurate assessment?
J.J.B.: Because I am a new filmmaker, my main focus is to keep creating so that I can build a portfolio that will generate work. However, I do believe that it does take perseverance and fortitude to keep pushing. In New York it can be difficult, because there so many artists walking the streets. But, it’s all about finding the perfect platform to showcase your work so that people can see that you are legitimate and passionate about film.
O.F.F.: So, onto your current project, “Go Fish”, currently completed and prepping for Film Festival submission. What drew you to this film or how did the opportunity come about?
J.J.B.: After I graduated college it was time for me to go through all my papers and throw things out and I came across a short story I wrote called “My Only Friend.” I re-read it and fell in love with the story all over again. It was a story that I connected to because it provoked feelings of nostalgia. I knew at that point that “GoFish” was going to be my first project as a filmmaker!
O.F.F.: Your bio indicates this is actually based on a story you wrote from your own experiences in Crown Heights and the ultimate backdrop of the 1991 Crown Heights riots. Can you expand on that and how it influenced the scripting process?
J.J.B.: Growing up in Crown Heights had a big influence on the development of this script. It depicted everything I knew about the neighborhood to my interactions with my Hasidic neighbors. Another thing that inspired this story was my appreciation for intercultural friendships. When I was growing up I went to school outside of my district, often making me the only black girl in the class. I learned to so much and as a result I’m not afraid to connect with people outside of my race.
Somehow I took all of these little experiences and created “GoFish”. The reason I used the riot as a back drop, because I wanted the friendship of an African-American and Jewish girl to be so right and wrong at the same time. However as time moved on I began to notice how pertinent “GoFish” is to these modern day times. Although the film is about a friendship it shows that history has repeated itself regarding race in America.
O.F.F.: As the director of the film, what was it like to work with the cast and additional crew?
J.J.B.: It was great, the cast and I became a little family on set. The crew was on point and I consider my producer and cinematographer good friends of mine. It was a pleasuring working with them!
O.F.F.: I understand you and Michael (Fels) had a particularly great time working with the children in this film?
J.J.B.: Yes! I know the rules are stay away from children and animals, but these children were extremely professional and their parents sort of sat back and let them do their thing, which was great!
O.F.F.: Speaking of the assistance of Michael Fels on the project, how did his involvement come about?
J.J.B.: Let’s just say if he wasn’t there to assist, I would have probably run out of time to shoot the most important scenes in the film. Michael’s infamous quote on set to me was “It’s not about the icing, it’s about the cake.” I hated that quote, but he was right!
O.F.F.: What is currently on the horizon for Jamila J. Brown, outside of the anticipation for “Go Fish” to hit the Festival circuit?
J.J.B.: I’m currently writing a movie for recording artist Troy Ave based on his album “New York City the Album.” I also I have two short films that I would like to shoot sometime next year.
O.F.F.: The independent film world really does seem to be the place for deeper stories, characters, and human connection through it all. Having made this film, how much more important do you feel it is that indie film not only gets made, but supported and promoted to the greater movie going public?
J.J.B.: Whether made to or not, films inspire people all around the world, they introduce us to people we’ll probably never meet in our life, and they bring us together through turmoil and triumph. To me, it is the most powerful form of media and for that reason, I think it is important that movies carry a message! The more messages, the more enlightened people will become and your chances of changing the world—one day at a time of course— very close! Indie films represent that, which is why it is important for filmmakers to continue to create and movie lovers to support and promote independent films.
O.F.F.: What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the production side of the film industry in general?
J.J.B.: Play your part in production and don’t try to wear many hats—no more than two at least. Trust your vision. The moment you can trust yourself on set is the moment you find your voice.
O.F.F.: Final question. What is YOUR favorite film of all time? Why?
J.J.B.: I love “Forrest Gump”, it’s my favorite film of all time. It’s funny, it’s sad, and warm hearted. Every time I watch it, I snuggle up in my bed with a bowl of popcorn and I feel at peace. No other film gives me that feeling. But, what I really love the most about this film is that this one man who isn’t the brightest is able to effortlessly help, heal and inspire those around him.“My momma always said life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get” and he had one of heck of a life.
How can you not be inspired by these ongoing stories about people making the choice to follow their passion, overcome the obstacles, put the films out there they want, with the stories that are real, human, and filled with that said passion, bringing a depth to the movie-going arena that is truly needed in this day and age. Make it a point, when possible, to get out to see and support these indie film efforts, and then spread the word about them, too! Because while we all enjoy the big budget Hollywood blockbusters, there are these individuals out there like Jamila J. Brown who, I feel, deserve just as much chance as anyone to see their films and filmmaking dreams continue to grow. So, want to keep up on what Jamila’s up to? Try these sources:
“Follow” her Twitter account: here
“Like” the film’s Facebook Page: here
Check out Jamila’s IMDb Page: here
As I am known to do here and there (lol), I extend another genuinely grateful “Thank you!!” to Jamila J. Brown for taking the time to do this interview for me! Keep watching this site, as my review of “GoFish” will be coming here soon! In the meantime, spread the word about this interview, “GoFish”, and OneFilmFan.com! Thanks all, and until next time!
