 Happy Women’s History Month, Family! This month I’m celebrating women who performed in and/or directed powerful film and TV projects in 2021. Watch the YouTube video below for more details – because many of these projects and performances didn’t get the press they deserved. Pictured above are (left to right top row then bottom row): Kali Reis in Catch the Fair One Geraldine Viswanathan in 7 Days Tatiana Huezo director of Prayers for the Stolen Swamy Rotolo in A Chiara Martha Plimpton in MASS Jean Smart in Hacks Patti Harrison in Together Together Lucie Shorthouse, Faith Omole, Anjana Vasan, Juliette Motamed, Sarah Kameela Impey in We Are Lady Parts Nana Mensah director of and actor in Queen of Glory*and a BIG shoutout to my family at Film Independent; I learned about most of these projects through watching the nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards. WHAT ARE WE UP TO?  |
 Sista Brunch: Michelle Crenshaw Season 3 Episode 3 of Sista Brunch introduces our listeners to cinematographer Michelle Crenshaw. She’s worked on Friday, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, Hannah Gadsby: Douglas, CSI and so much more. Her debut film was the classic The Watermelon Woman directed by Cheryl Dunye – a film about “a young Black lesbian filmmaker who probes into the life of a 1930s Black actress who played ‘mammy’ archetypes.” If you’re in the position to: HIRE HER!  #ChangeFashion Inclusion Rider Some folx (even some I’ve known my whole life) pronounce my name as ‘Fashion’ – and now finally there may be the slightest truth to it. Kalpana and I got to work alongside Endeavor Content’s Romola Ratnam, Grace Rowe at IMG Models and the team at Color of Change – who have become like family – Caroline Joyner and Aerica Shimizu Banks to put this Rider together. Kalpana is the glue that holds this document and people together – always – and I’m so very grateful to call her a friend and colleague. And we’re still not finished! Keep an eye out for more news on the use of the Rider – including on an upcoming Ben Affleck film. And check out the New York Times article on the Fashion Rider here: Fashion is Getting an Inclusion Rider  REDONDOBig love to those of you who donated to the making of this short film. Unfortunately there were glitches with payments and donations via AFI. If I have not reached out to say thank you – I’M SO SORRY! I’m working with the director to make sure you receive expressions of gratitude as well as updates on the film. Meanwhile please follow her Instagram as she works to complete it: Lu Stinnette on Instagram and I’ll let you know when you can see it publicly. THE CIPHER newsletter and podcastChristabel Nsiah-Buadi, our executive producer and co-creator of Sista Brunch, is launching a newsletter, The Cipher and a companion podcast, (de)CIPHERED to “amplify great podcasts from Africa and its diaspora – and share production tips that my colleagues and I have learned with new creators. My goal is to bridge the diversity gap in the podcasting industry AND empower independent podcasters to elevate their content.”The first edition of ‘The Cipher’ drops on Thursday, March 3, and the latest episode of the podcast (de)CIPHERED pod, featuring a conversation with Garvia Bailey, host of the ‘Strong and Free’ podcast, will be available on the same day. The world is lucky to have Christabel in it – and you will be so glad when yousign up for her newsletter and follow ‘The Cipher’ on Instagram. Let’s show Black podcasters worldwide some love and discover some of their funny, poignant, and powerful stories together.Subscribe to THE CIPHER newsletter. CMRS – Critical Mixed Race Studies Conference HUGE congrats to my dear friends, colleagues and family who pulled off an outstanding virtual conference this year. If you, or your friends/family identify as having mixed racial and cultural heritage, this is the affinity and learning and sharing space for YOU. Sending special love to Chandra Crudup and Kelly Jackson – who hold it down at Arizona State University and have dedicated themselves to examining, celebrating and critiquing the mixed experience for the long haul. Their work matters to all of us. Welp – stick a fork in me, I’m in love.For those who haven’t heard, and/or met him yet – this is my somewhat official announcement that I am in a wonderful relationship with Vinnie DeRamus. We met through a dear friend who subtly but with intention set it up for us to hang out together – in that first summer of the pandemic. We had met a couple times before that. On one of those times, Mama Trudy and I had lunch with him and family friends, and when mom and I got in the car to leave, I turned to her and said, “I think I have a crush on that guy!” But I was in the early stages of my divorce from Diego (who remains a friend), and at that point I wasn’t sure I’d ever date or be in a relationship again. But here we are – a year and a half into this love thing – and I am smitten and tickled that this kind of love is possible – even in a pandemic, with the world in its horrible turmoil, with parents who are aging and/or dying, with perimenopause moving into my body and home. All to say to you if you need to hear it: love is here; love is possible; you deserve love. Here’s an article featuring Vinnie for Black History Month if you want to know more about the person who’s captured my heart: Cinemontage: Vinnie DeRamus  BADASS WOMEN OF TV AND FILM 2021Many of the films and TV shows I highlight here didn’t get marketed well – so I’m sharing them with you and strongly urging you to watch them all and support these projects and filmmakers!  Click Here for Booking a Consulting or Speaking EngagementCopyright © 2022 TruJuLo Productions, All rights reserved.You’re receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in staying in touch with Fanshen, One Drop of Love and TruJuLo. If you would no longer like to receive updates and news from us, please unsubscribe and we’ll remove you from all future mailings. Our mailing address is: TruJuLo ProductionsTruJuLo Productions5001 Wilshire Blvd. #612Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
