Known for her recently released film Strictly for The Streets, director, executive producer and writer Katoria Chanyasubkit uses her platform to create opportunities for other black creatives. The HBCU alumna (Savannah State University) talks more about why creating a lane for people of color is so crucial.
The film features Julian Horton and Ashima Franklin and was released on my own network, Mommy Lounge Network available also on Firestick and Roku. As a Black creative with a platform it is important to create a lane for people of color because it keeps us wealthy and it keeps our culture enriched. I believe art is the preservation of history. It records the data.
In this current moment of Black Lives Matter it’s important to have black stories, films and to have those stories told from a person of color because the perspective is more honest to the black audience. Let me clarify, Black lives Matter isn’t a moment, it’s a state of being. Black people should tell black stories We have to remember that the content we create now will let the future know what life was like currently, that information should be accurate, not theorized.
With Halle Bailey being cast as the Disney princess and Zendaya playing the iconic role as “MJ” in Spiderman Homecoming, Hollywood is making a conscious effort to understand and make roles more diverse. I do not think they are doing enough. Hollywood has its own game; they have their own club. I like the Tyler Perry approach. I am building something and including some Hollywood stars in it, but I’m not banking on Hollywood’s inclusion. That’s not wise.
I would encourage aspiring creatives to just create. Do not think about what’s popular. Who’s buying what, just create from a place of authenticity and own your labor. The Mommy Lounge Network is at www.mommyloungenetwork.com
