Kionn's Tribeca Experience

My experience in the Tribeca Film Fellows program has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. I still can’t believe the amount of information I was exposed to over the course of two months. Meeting people that work in the industry has demystified the impossibility of working with them in the future. Each individual has given me a piece of their own experience to help me progress towards my vision. Prior to T.F.F., advice was given to me during film shoots. I gained experience on sets, but the advice was usually given on the go. From Jeremiah Zagar’s importance of collaborating to Ross Kauffman’s personal advice about taking risk, I have absorbed a great deal of knowledge on a more personal level.

The stars of the festival are the movies. As a Film Fellow, I had the privilege to attend many movie screenings that exposed me to different styles and issues. No other multiplex experience compared to the immersive experience that “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” gave. The whole experience was great from start to finish. Before the movie even started I felt the energy of other people coming to see a film for what it is. Heavy handed marketing, big name actors, or any type of previous knowledge about did not intrigue the audience to see the film. Instead, the viewer’s curiosity and the desire to see something new are sparked by a simple synopsis.

The movie was both raw and fresh because the subject is relevant to the world today. After seeing a movie that has moved everyone to the point of tears, the filmmaker and subject of the documentary surprises the audience with their presence. A standing ovation was given without hesitation. No introduction was needed for the subject because we saw the story of her life unfold before us two hours prior to her entrance. The audience was eager to exchange questions for answers with the subject. All these moments contributed to an unforgettable movie experience.

The heart of the program is fueled by the passion for film. I am glad to have met such talented people that share the same commitment and drive for the film. For the longest, I’ve been unaware to the quality of my filmmaking skills living in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Collaborating and interacting with the other fellows has given me a better sense of my skills and potential. It has been a pleasure going through the festival with a group of talented individuals such as the Tribeca Film Fellows. The guidance of the administrators and graduate assistants made the program more fun which allowed room to bond on a personal level. It still amazes me when I think about how close we’ve all grown over the course of two months. I believe the friendships and relationships that have been started during this program will extend beyond the end of the program.

My brother said that working in this industry will allow us to see God work in specific ways. Through the program, I learned more about myself. I’ve discovered leadership skills and a confidence I didn’t think existed. Tribeca has put me in reach of everyone from P.A.’s to movie company executives. I took advantage of everything that was put in front of me. The lessons and advice that were given to me will be applied towards making my first film, “Repair”. This program has given me so much; relationships, inspiration, and hope. With the deeper insight of the film industry, past obstacles have been replaced with opportunities. Present new friendships are set to take off for success. Future Tribeca Film Fellows are going to enjoy the program as much as I have. The experience we have all gone through, will not only be a great leap towards our dreams, but will also be the prelude to our future success stories.