Film Fatales hosted a discussion about Filmmaking While Parenting with feature film directors Débora Souza Silva (Black Mothers), Kestrin Pantera (Mother’s Little Helpers), and Renée Wilson (Crepe Covered Sidewalks). Moderated by Film Fatales member Tamara Perkins (Life After Life).
This round table discussion will feature filmmakers carving out new ways of building creative life while raising families. Each will share experiences and insight on reimagining creative space and opportunity for parent filmmakers to thrive. Questions that will be explored include: How can the film industry better support working parents? How do we as filmmakers work together to co-create spaces that include families, respect the unique needs of parents on and off sets, and see working parents as assets to projects and not liabilities? What role can policy change play in equalizing the industry for women and parents? How does self-care contribute to boosting morale, mindfulness and sparking and sustaining creativity in working parents. How can we support each other more in this industry and what can filmmakers without kids do to make equitable spaces for their parenting colleagues a reality?
Débora Souza Silva is a journalist whose work is founded upon examining systemic racism and highlighting the resilience of impacted communities. She was an Associate Producer for the Emmy nominated PBS documentary Rape on the Night Shift and a recipient of the 2018 Gracie Award for the four-part documentary series The Aftermath. Débora is currently directing her debut feature-length film Black Mothers, with support from Tribeca Film Institute and Doclands.
Kestrin Pantera is an award winning writer/director whose feature directorial debut was Let’s Ruin It With Babies. She has created several TV series for AwesomenessTV and digital series for Facebook, as well as having directed commercials. Her latest feature film, Mother’s Little Helpers premiered at SXSW last year to much critical acclaim.
Renée Wilson is an Award-winning filmmaker, writer, actor and singer best known for her performance in the Academy Awarding -Winning film Ray. She directed and produced the documentary Crepe Covered Sidewalks. Renée also released her debut album, Voodoo Queen and is set to release her second record All About Love. She is in pre-production with her first narrative short film Again.
Tamara Perkins is an award-winning filmmaker and changemaker focused on films and media that inspire transformative change through dialogue, healing and advocacy. Tamara’s documentary feature Life After Life premiered in 2018 and her upcoming films are Clarissa’s Battle and Rebound.
