This week's feature spotlight is from my home state of Illinois and she definitely represents it to the fullest. I must say upon reading her submission I was very impressed, Mya B is a true example of versatility to its finest! Her story is truly motivational. And it is always refreshing to see someone work with such passion. She makes you want to go out and do big things in the world. (I see a lot of me in her...wow!!) So without further a do let me introduce this week's Black Savant Cinema Feature Spotlight Mya B. Check her out and see for yourself this true talent...
Mya B. is a young filmmaker born and raised in Chi-town. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY where she came to be around people of like mind in the independent film industry. Graduating from Columbia College with a concentration in film studies gave her the writing and production skills to pursue her passion as an independent filmmaker.
Her first documentary, ‘Warrior Queens’ was shown in 1994 at the Dusable Museum of African American History in Chicago. From working as a PA and interning on several independent films, she decided to venture into her first documentary project. After two years of groundbreaking interviews and historical information to research, she completed her first documentary entitled, ‘Silence: In Search of Black Female Sexuality in America.’ The film has won many accolades, festival acceptance, and awards. Segments of her film, was also show on VH1’s, “Can’t Get a Date”. Since then, her writing has gotten recognition.
Her short script, Maya: The Illusion, won honorable mention in the American Gem screenwriting competition and she was a BET finalist in the Rap It-Up competition in 2006. She is currently in production for the follow up to her first documentary, “Black Men and Sex: The Real Deal”, finishing up her first novel working as a video instructor at a high school and middle school. In addition to this, she has worked as a DP on many projects: The Dark Seed, Curtain Call, and Monkey Gang.
It doesn't stop here...now you know I had to delve in a little bit more!!
How did you get started? I have always been a film lover, especially the horror genre. My parents always took us to the movies, so I had a lot of exposure to them. That love for being able to lose my self in a good story, motivated me to want to study it in school. I went to film school at Columbia College in Chicago after starting off as a fiction writing major.
In one word, describe yourself and why… Determined. I am determined to make films that I can be proud of and leave behind a legacy of works for the people here now and beyond.
What do you feel is the strongest asset you bring to the film/media industry? I think my strongest asset is the storytelling I bring to the film/media industry. To me it is important to tell a story about black people in its entirety; create a voice for us from our own eyes and mouths. With this determination I create films that deal with social issues in the black community. I want to revolutionize the cinema world again.
How long have you been making films (directors & filmmakers)…or How long have you been acting? I have been making films since College in 1993. In 2002, I wrote, directed and produced my first documentary, “Silence: In Search of Black Female Sexuality.”
Why did you get involved in the film/media industry? When you started making films, did you have a specific aim? Cinema is my release from the outside world. I go to the movies almost every week because that is the time I can loose myself in the theater. I got involved in the film industry because I always wanted to see my writings have movement. It was then that I went to film school for it. However, when I first start creating my documentary on black female sexuality, I was coming from a point of view of voicing the diversity in sexual experiences that we have, making it more like a sexual testimonial. After doing years of research and analyzing sexual stereotypes about black women, I felt that it was my duty to discuss these stereotypes and the effects that slavery had on that. It became much deeper than I planned. From that point on I knew that my path was different. Now I am working on a documentary about black manhood and sexuality.
What is the most important thing you've accomplished so far in this industry? The most important thing I have accomplished so far in this industry is finishing up a documentary that I wrote, directed, and produced myself regardless of the several hardships I went to. I did it and made it happen. The biggest accomplishment was finishing.
What has been the biggest influence on your film/acting/media career? My biggest influence on my film career is thinking about black folks who revolutionized our minds, from Malcolm X to Assata Shakur. There stories make me want to tell mine and share other’s. My films are going to wake up people, create dialogue and for that I am thankful.
From your perspective, what would you like to contribute to the present day film/media? From my perspective I want to contribute to the present day film world films that give us our power back. Make quality black films that are relatable. EVERYBODY IS THINKING IT, BUT NOT SAYING IT type of movies.
Who is the person you admire most in the film/media industry? I really admire Spike Lee a lot. I have a lot of his films in my collection and I have seen all of his films. I love his vision and would love to one day get to that point where I am making features about Assata Shakur, Nehanda, Fred Hampton, etc. He has def made his mark as a revolutionary filmmaker to me with his portfolio of work.
What TV show, movie or play produced in the last year has been most inspiring to you, either personally or professionally? My most inspiring film that I saw in the last year that inspired me personally was Frankie and Alice and professionally it was Paranormal Activity 2.
If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what would you be doing? If I wasn’t doing what I am doing now, I would be doing nothing. This is my life. I have so many films in my head that I want to create. I am not going anywhere for a longtime. I have to do it.
Here's a taste of what Mya B. has already done in the film industry...
For more information on Mya B. and her upcoming projects please check her out at Shoot Films, Not People Production . Here is a sista you definitely want to be on the look out for..."Big Things Poppin'!!"
Also if you would like to be featured on Black Savant Cinema we would love to share your story. Please send all inquiries to blacksavantcinema@gmail.com .
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