See with intention. Film with impact. (Feb. 9-12 5pm-7pm @ the Bayview House Opera House)

Hey friends,

What Do We Do Around The Fire?

In November, BlackMaria Microcinema hosted a screening of my short film Detour and a filmmaker Q&A at the African American Arts and Culture Complex for their Black Film As Protest series. Many thanks to my friend and producer Maria Judice and the entire BlackMaria Microcinema team.

The night was incredible—filled with warm, thoughtful, and deeply insightful conversations with the audience. A night I will never forget. Read BlackMaria Microcinema’s film review here.

Last week, I reunited with my fellow SFI cohort at the Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe in Washington, DC where I was invited to do a book reading from Raw, Black & Blue and a screening of Detour. Deep gratitude to my friend and moderator, Dr. Tammy Brown (the birthday girl), and to the entire Sankofa staff for the invitation and their generous support. Our teacher, celebrated filmmaker Haile Gerima, joined us despite his busy schedule. My heart was truly full seeing everyone.

Eat This Film presents Training Your Eye: A Visual Practice in Storytelling

From Feb. 9-12, I’ll be facilitating the workshop Training Your Eye: A Visual Practice in Storytelling, which guides participants in creating personal and collective stories through photography, film, and writing. We explore how light, color, memory, and personal experience shape the stories we tell. February 9-12 from 5pm-7pm (4705 3rd St., SF, CA 94124) in partnership with the Bayview Opera House (Ruth Williams Opera House). Free. All levels are welcome. Registration is open now.

COMMUNITY & friends’ EVENTS coming up:

To my Bay Area community — though my birthday is on Feb. 4th, I want to celebrate with friends at the Superbowl Watch Party at Covenant Church, 2618 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley 94702. Sunday Feb. 8th at 3pm. Come through.

The Black Films As Protest series continues at the BlackMaria Microcinema. Also Maria’s new tea shop, LibreTe, has a GoFundMe to expand place and community in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Her specialty brand Xoffe is hands down the best coffee alternative.

Haile Gerima’s Black Lions, Roman Wolves, a 5-part documentary about Ethiopia’s decisive anti-colonial victory against Italy’s second invasion in 1935 debuts at the Berlin Film Festival. Check out the film’s fundraising page.

Lastly, physical copies of Raw, Black and Blue are available for purchase online at the Colorlifepic Store. Only a few copies left. The Raw, Black & Blue audiobook is available on Apple Books, Google Play, Audible and now Barnes & Noble. To learn more about the Raw, Black & Blue project, check it out here.

Much love,

— Shantre

Raw, Black & Blue - Audiobook Now Available on Apple, Google Play, Spotify & Audible (Copy)

Hey friends,

It’s been a while since I followed up, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting news — Raw, Black and Blue now has an audiobook, narrated by me! This next stage of the project feels like a dream come true.

From the start, my vision was not only to create a photo-fiction book but to extend the story across different forms — reaching audiences through both literature and now, audio storytelling.

This audiobook couldn’t have come to life without the incredible Oona Garthwaite, producer & founder of Pretty Beat, and Benjamin Andrews, the audio engineer for the book. Oona and Benjamin, your passion and care for this project matched my own — you’re both a true blessing.

The audiobook is now available on Apple Books, Spotify, Google Play, and Audible. Click the links below to listen, or hear an excerpt from each platform.

For those new to Raw, Black & Blue - it’s a photo-fiction book, a love story told through the lens and journals of Tamia, a photographer navigating her relationships and mental health when returns to her childhood home.

APPLE BOOKS

google Play

Audible

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spotify

BlackMaria Microcinema presents Black Films As Protest & the 101 Black Essential Films

Next month, I’ll be screening Detour, a short film based on one of the book’s chapters, on November 14 at the AAACC Theatre in the Fillmore, curated by Maria Judice, founder of the Black Maria Microcinema. You can register for the event at the links below. Maria, I remember your vision to do this years back and I’m super proud and excited to see vision coming to pass. <3

I’m also excited to announce through the BlackMaria Microcinema, I’ll be teaching a masterclass, A Visual Practice in Storytelling, where I’ll share tools and techniques for visual storytelling. Tickets are available now.

Another screening will be held on November 21 at the Black Maria Microcinema on 465 S Van Ness Street in the Mission District. I’d love to see you there!

For more information about upcoming screenings and events, be sure to follow Maria Judice and the Black Maria Microcinema for updates.

COMMUNITY & friends’ EVENTS coming up:

And to my Bay Area community — come join me at Covenant Church, 2618 San Pablo Ave, from 12–1:30 PM, and let’s grab lunch afterward! The 30th Anniversary Celebration will also be held on October 26 at 6 PM at the Berkeley Adult School — join us in celebrating 30 years of ministry.

Lastly, physical copies of Raw, Black and Blue are available for purchase online at the Colorlifepic Store.

Thank you all for your continued support. I’d love to see you at one of these events!

— Shantre

Artist Talk at Kala Gallery! Thursday, Sept. 5th 6pm-8pm

Hey good people,

This Thursday 9/5, my fellow cohort and I will have an artist talk about our work in Where the Tree Grows, Kala Art Institute's Fellowship Exhibition. (@kalagallery_berkeley)

I’d love to see you there. The exhibit will continue to run through September 20th.

Gallery Location:

Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo, Berkeley, CA 94702

It was amazing to be part of this experience with so many inspiring artists and to witness attendees engaging with my work. That was my desire with this project and my heart was so full to see it come to pass.

Thanks again to Asian Improv Arts, Kala Arts Institute, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and Kickstarter backers who helped make this happen.

(Some of the surrounding art displayed are by artists Charles Lee, Alison Chen and Philip Crawford.)

(Gallery photos by Minoosh Zomorodinia)

Click here to view the full gallery of photos and videos from the opening night.

COMMUNITY & friends’ EVENTS coming up:

1. - Sweaty Armpits: We all live in bodies - Group Art Exhibition, 120710.art gallery, 1207 10th St. Berkeley, CA 94710 Sept. 14th - Oct. 10th. Opening Reception Sept. 14th 4pm-8pm

2. Kala Arts Where the Tree Grows exhibition July 19th - Sept. 20th Kala Gallery 2990 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 (Artist Talk & Walkthrough Sept. 5th 6pm-8pm)

3. Join me & Covenant Church in Berkeley for service & the Back To School event, Sept. 22nd at 12pm (2618 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702) for food, hair cuts, giveaways, music & more!


Warmly,

Shantre

Raw, Black & Blue Exhibition

Hey folks,

I’m super excited to share artwork with a group of dope artists in Where the Tree Grows, Kala Art Institute's Fellowship Exhibition. (@kalagallery_berkeley)

Opening Reception is this Friday, July 19th, 6-8pm and exhibit runs through September 20th.

Join me and my peers to see our latest work:

Philip Crawford (@_philipac_), Amy Elkins (@thisisamyelkins), John Yoyogi Fortes (@jy4tes),

Charles Lee (@ohhh_so_sirius), Helia Pouyanfar (@heliapouyanfar),

Georgina Reskala (@reskala), rhiannon skye tafoya (@r.skye.t) and me.

“Artists in Where the Tree Grows examine their cultural roots, family lineage, and ancestral connections. Through family archives, rituals, and technology, they investigate the transient nature of diasporic passages and migration, illuminating and reclaiming shared and lost narratives. Many search for notions of selfhood, self care and communal healing reflecting on intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression.” - Kala Arts Institute

July 19, 2024 - September 20, 2024 Opening Reception: July 19, 6-8pm

Gallery Location:

Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo, Berkeley, CA 94702

Artist's talks in August and September. Stay tuned for more information.

This work was made possible by Asian Improv Arts, Kala Arts Institute, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and you!

Past Events: Asian Improv Arts Culminating Event

Last month, my cohort at AIR wrapped up our 18-month fellowship with a culmination event. It was an amazing time with incredibly talented folks. I made new friends and learned so much. To the staff and fellows at AIR, a heartfelt thanks to you all.

COMMUNITY & FRIENDS EVENTS coming up:

1. Sa Amin Film Tour Co-presented by SF Urban Film Festival July 27, 2024 | Saturday | 1 – 4pm PDT | City of Chula Vista Public Library 365 F Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910

2. Kala Arts Where the Tree Grows exhibition July 19th - Sept. 20th Kala Gallery 2990 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702

3. Erica Oba Jazz album release: Ghost On The Water now on Bandcamp

4. Community Day, Hosted by Covenant Church and Berkeley Unified August 10th 10am-2pm (San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St. Berkeley, CA 94702) Free school supplies, kids activities and health screenings!


Warmly,

Shantre

Where the Tree Grows - Opening Reception at Kala Gallery! Friday, July 19th 6pm-8pm (Copy)

Hey folks,

I’m super excited to share artwork with a group of dope artists in Where the Tree Grows, Kala Art Institute's Fellowship Exhibition. (@kalagallery_berkeley)

Opening Reception is this Friday, July 19th, 6-8pm and exhibit runs through September 20th.

Join me and my peers to see our latest work:

Philip Crawford (@_philipac_), Amy Elkins (@thisisamyelkins), John Yoyogi Fortes (@jy4tes),

Charles Lee (@ohhh_so_sirius), Helia Pouyanfar (@heliapouyanfar),

Georgina Reskala (@reskala), rhiannon skye tafoya (@r.skye.t) and me.

“Artists in Where the Tree Grows examine their cultural roots, family lineage, and ancestral connections. Through family archives, rituals, and technology, they investigate the transient nature of diasporic passages and migration, illuminating and reclaiming shared and lost narratives. Many search for notions of selfhood, self care and communal healing reflecting on intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression.” - Kala Arts Institute

July 19, 2024 - September 20, 2024 Opening Reception: July 19, 6-8pm

Gallery Location:

Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo, Berkeley, CA 94702

Artist's talks in August and September. Stay tuned for more information.

This work was made possible by Asian Improv Arts, Kala Arts Institute, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and you!

Past Events: Asian Improv Arts Culminating Event

Last month, my cohort at AIR wrapped up our 18-month fellowship with a culmination event. It was an amazing time with incredibly talented folks. I made new friends and learned so much. To the staff and fellows at AIR, a heartfelt thanks to you all.

COMMUNITY & friends’ EVENTS coming up:

1. Sa Amin Film Tour Co-presented by SF Urban Film Festival July 27, 2024 | Saturday | 1 – 4pm PDT | City of Chula Vista Public Library 365 F Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910

2. Kala Arts Where the Tree Grows exhibition July 19th - Sept. 20th Kala Gallery 2990 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702

3. Erica Oba Jazz album release: Ghost On The Water now on Bandcamp

4. Community Day, Hosted by Covenant Church and Berkeley Unified August 10th 10am-2pm (San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St. Berkeley, CA 94702) Free school supplies, kids activities and health screenings!


Warmly,

Shantre

Tentative Date for Raw, Black & Blue Exhibit!

Hey good people,

We have a date and space to exhibit! Raw, Black & Blue, along with works from my fellow cohorts, will be exhibited at the Kala Arts Gallery for an opening reception on July 19th from 6pm-8pm.

The Kala workspace is a wonderful spot to work and bounce ideas with colleagues. If you’re in the Bay Area, reach out if you’d like to take a tour and have lunch.

More exciting news to come!

More exciting news to come!

COMMUNITY & friends’ EVENTS coming up:

1. SF Urban Film Fest 10th Anniversary! presents Rooted Resurgence; April 15th-21st. Tix (pay what you can)

2. Kala Arts (2nd fellowship home) is having their 50th birthday celebration and auction benefit; March 21-April 27

3. Good Friday Play Covenant Church Brentwood (6830 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood, CA 94513). Performances are Friday, March 29th 7:30pm & Saturday, March 30th, 6pm

4. Resurrection Sunday Celebration Covenant Church Berkeley (2618 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702) Sunday, March 31st, 12pm

5. Lenora Lee Dance: Convergent: NYC; May 25-27, 1pm & 3:30pm

Warmly,

Shantre

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Hey folks,

I’m excited to share that I’ve been selected for the 2023-2024 Media Arts Fellowship at Kala Art Institute!! I’m expanding the Raw Black & Blue project by sharing it with the public through film and audio storytelling, and participating in a group exhibition with my peers.

Again, I'd like to express my gratitude to the supporters of Raw, Black & Blue on Kickstarter. Your name is listed on the project’s page.



Coming up:

1. Do you have a narrative or documentary film on urban issues? SF Urban Film Fest is open for film submissions October 16 - November 16.

2. I’m photographing a gospel concert at Covenant Church on Sunday 10/22 @6pm (2618 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA). If you’re in and around town, come through.

3. Coffee/tea meetup? Reach out if you’re free to this month.

Much love,

Shantré

Stretch goal! Raw, Black & Blue campaign ends soon!

Wow! Thank you all for your support in Raw, Black & Blue. We’re just a few days away from the finish line.

I’m going for a stretch goal! If there’s fifteen more pledges at the $30 level or two remaining pledges at the $250 level for a studio photoshoot in June, the project will reach its stretch goal for 50 additional prints!

Here’s a sneak peak of the studio in Emeryville and work from a recent shoot with Cocoacentric.

May is Mental Health Awareness month!

What are some ways you take care of yourself?

What would you add to this list?

Visit the project page to listen to a clip from the chapter, The Lamentation of Mister Simms, a character Tamia is reintroduced to on her road to recovery. Mr. Simms is someone I’m sure we’re all familiar with on any given block from San Francisco to NY.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety please don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones and call the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: 1-800-950-6264.

community events happening this month:

1. SFUFF presents Our Place In The Park; May 27th 2pm. Community, arts, & activism. Free

2. My fellow cohorts from the Asian Improv Arts are performing at the following:

3. Covenant Church Harvest Celebration (2618 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA). My family away from home. Services are held May 21st, 12pm & May 28th, 8am & 12pm

I’d love to see you if you’re in town.

Take care,

Shantre

Save the Date! Crowdfunding My Book on April 25th

Hey friends,

Can you believe it’s been almost a year since I sent you a blog post? Plus I took a much needed break from social media. But despite the lack of social platforms, we got to either work together on a project, talk & laugh, go out to dinner and a movie, or simply text to say I’m thinking of you. For that, I’m grateful.

So folks - I did a thing. I wrote a photo-fiction book and will crowdfund it on Kickstarter beginning Tuesday, April 25th. I’m excited to finally tell this story. It’s been with me for quite some time.

Raw, Black, Blue is a story about Tamia, a photographer who is grappling with her past and relationships after a health scare. She revisits her hometown and is reacquainted with an old friend, a crush from high school who’s now a crisis response leader. She journals and photographs her experience.

I’d love for you to join in this journey. I hope this project not only gives readers the start of a good love story, but opens further conversations on mental health, social justice, and self care.

If you’re not familiar with Kickstarter, the project does require you to create an account or sign in to make a pledge. More updates to come.

Alright beautiful people! Have a lovely weekend. Much thanks to you.

Shantré

Dinner and A Movie

Hey friends,

If you’re reading this it’s simply because I miss having dinner with you, connecting and talking about film. After 2 + years it feels so good to sit down and have a meal with you. I know these last few weeks have been rough so I’ll ask first up, how are you?

Several weeks ago, I sat down with some friends over Thai food and we shared old films we’ve seen, some we haven’t and directors we’ve never heard of. (*Fay, thank you to taking me up on the offer to see a very weird film afterwards - though Omeed was right about the review. Ha!)

What was an old film or story that inspired you?

For me, it was The 400 Blows and The Learning Tree. *Basically anything by Gordon Parks.

*Speaking of films you never heard of, do me a favor and check out Eat This Film & let me know of stories that feature people of color as central characters that should be on the platform.

By the way, a short doc I made during quarantine won best short doc in the Art Color Digital Cinema International Film Fest in Montreal. Now through June 2nd, you can vote/like the film, After Mario for the chance to win an Audience Award.

A couple things to leave you with before I wrap this letter:

1. SFUFF is producing a doc film entitled, Sa Amin (Our Place). I saw a cut on Thursday and it’s powerful. Please consider donating towards their crew and exhibition funds.

2. Follow Maria Judice’s directorial feature film Elephant exhibiting now in festivals. Maria, thank you for always pushing us to just do it already. You are a light and a fire starter. (I’m coming M!)

3. Pam Uzzell has an amazing podcast, Art Heals All Wounds which I’m honored to have been a guest in episode 9 of season 2 . Pam, you got me out of my comfort zone and I truly appreciate and thank you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Art Heals All Wounds Podcast (@arthealspodcast)

4. Leah Nichols - sharing your name just because we all miss you & love you.

Folks, I hope to catch up with you soon over a meal and film. Keep creating, moving and using your gift to uplift and shift.

Peace,

Shantre

Storytelling Workshop w/SF Urban Film Festival & Youth Community Development

Galvanizing homeownership in Black communities

Bayview district, San Francisco, CA

Audience of One: Leon Timbo in concert

Covenant Church, Berkeley, CA

Media education w/Code tenderLoin

Earlier this month, I jumped in to sub a media production course at @codetenderloin through @indigoimpact. It was an absolute joy seeing folks light up about directing & shooting for the 1st time. 

Thanks @mariaajudice for the opportunity & repping film education and poc filmmakers ✊🏾

#film #sanfrancisco

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Re: CAPP St. bLock party 2019

Neighbors of Capp St., thank you for the good food, music, & art. Shout out to Leah & crew for organizing a wonderful event. You can view the rest of the photos here. Until next time!

CAPP Street block party Oct. 6th

Hosted by filmmaker/designer Leah Nichols - Come through! On Capp Street at 23rd (Nearest Bart Mission and 24th)

You’ll find me behind the camera (pics to come <3)

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IT'S THE 3RD CAPP STREET BLOCK PARTY! celebrate SF summer and play in the streets!

- GIANT PARACHUTE GAMES + four square/soccer
- dance to Son de la Bahia music
- learn cuban rueda salsa from Alberto
- tree planting hype sesh from FUF
- chomp on pupusas from Santos Manuel
- add to the fence art mural
- add to the "history of the block" timeline
- do crafts with The Drawing Room
- HELP ME GRAFFITI MY CAR

if you & others can contribute to the set up (10-11am) or clean up (5-6pm), please email: sportstreetcapp@gmail.com

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Kuumba + SE Child & Family Therapy Center Workshop

Thank you Jenee Johnson and staff for your extraordinary work in San Francisco community health services.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING EAT THIS FILM DINNER/BDAY CELEBRATION! 2/17/19

Hey Friends and Family,

It was SOOOOO good seeing all of you for the Eat This Film/Bday Celebration. Just to hang out with good food, folks and film is exactly what I wanted. Much love and appreciation to all who helped prep and wrap up the night at a moments notice. Whew!!!

As promised, below is a list of the artists presented Sunday night along with a link to their film work/company. Check them out ;o)

Fay Darmawi, producer/founder of SF Urban Film Festival

Look What You’re Doing

Leah Nichols, filmmaker/designer

73 Questions

Maria Judice, filmmaker/producer Indigo Impact

Palm Trees Down Third Street (Available on KweliTV)

L. Jeffrey Moore, Actor/Filmmaker

All I Think Of Is You (Available on Amazon Prime)

Shirah Dedman, producer/founder of Liberated Lens

You a Nomad

Emma Marie Chiang, producer/filmmaker

Chinatown Sweets & Pastries

Shantre Pinkney, founder/producer of Colorlifepic

Uncle Bob’s Surfside

The HardwearShop: BlackLivesMatter

The Raw (Available on Gumroad)

Love ya’ll. Keep shining!