DREAMS IN BLACK: WITH LOVE FROM THE SOUTH TO LOS ANGELES

Dreams in Black: With Love from the South to Los Angeles profiles three creatives and HBCU alums from Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia who all relocated to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of joining the entertainment industry. The film documents their journeys to landing roles they once dreamed of, working at major production companies, for major talent, and entertainment executives while focusing on alignment of self within their roles, the systems they work within, and in life overall. The themes and explored commentary include foundation, welcoming, Black history, culture, and joy, education, family, community, faith, and identity. This film was created after the director experienced the passing of a close friend and fellow filmmaker who was signed up for an artist retreat that she later took his place in, where funding was offered with complete creative freedom for all artists in attendance to creatively respond to the experience of learning about artists, their communities, history, culture, and the challenges faced in their hometown of Asheville, NC before and after experiencing the transformation and erasure of their communities and subsequently their art and identities due to gentrification. The film aims to honor those artists, artists at large who can identify with those themes and experiences, and her late friend, who was extremely integral in her own filmmaking journey but also in creating communities of artists and intellectuals who might not usually cross paths. The film also aims to propel the idea forward that, despite challenges in any part of life or when pursuing a passion, you can absolutely overcome and reach your goals with the proper foundation, mindset, community, and plan, no matter where you come from.