Interview

New Documentary Shines a Light on Brooklyn Teenager Miasia Clark
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New Documentary Shines a Light on Brooklyn Teenager Miasia Clark

The Independent catches up with Yvonne Michelle Shirley, creator of the new documentary, Miasia: The Nature of Experience. The film, which featured at BlackStar Film Festival, chronicles the life of Brooklyn teenager Miasia Clark as she navigates her everyday world and prepares to present at the first ever Black Girl Movement National Conference. Miasia is joined in this effort by members of her activist group, Girls for Gender Equity.

 

Orphan Dreams from Swaziland

Orphan Dreams from Swaziland

Mike Sullivan reviews Liyana, a new documentary directed by Aaron and Amanda Kopp (former 10-to-watch series winners!) The film, which employs stunning animation, tells the story of five orphaned children living and dreaming in Swaziland.  Liyana premiered at the LA Film Festival in June, where it won “Best Documentary.”

 

 

 

a man sits on grass and looks at the camera
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(Dis)Ability in the Work of an Australian Filmmaker

The Independent speaks with gough, a screen writer, director, and producer based in Australia. gough, who is legally blind, runs the successful company Beernuts Productions, which has produced a variety of documentaries, shorts, and other media content. Here gough reflects on how his disability informs his work and comedy.

10 Filmmakers to Watch: Fawzia Mirza
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10 Filmmakers to Watch: Fawzia Mirza

Fawzia Mirza makes our 10 Filmmakers to Watch list for 2017 with her film Signature Move, a feature that she co-wrote, produced, and stars in, which premiered at SXSW. The film tells the story of a Muslim lesbian in a new relationship, her Lucha-style wrestling, and the pressures of her conservative live-in mother. It is a romantic comedy.