By Tammy Reese
During the 40th edition of The Sundance Film Festival I had the chance to interview fellow NYWIFT member Amanda Culkowski, the Executive Producer of As We Speak, a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the intersection of art and justice. Focusing on Bronx rap artist Kemba, the film sheds light on the alarming trend of rap lyrics being weaponized within the United States criminal justice system and beyond.
As We Speak unveils a disturbing reality, as it uncovers how law enforcement agencies have covertly utilized artistic expression as evidence in criminal cases. Through this powerful exploration, viewers are confronted with the profound impact that creative works can have on an individual’s freedom and their ability to express themselves freely.
With Amanda Culkowski’s expertise as both an Executive Producer and a member of NYWIFT, this interview promises to provide valuable insights into the making of As We Speak and its significance within the film industry. It also highlights the importance of amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling, and how this documentary contributes to broader conversations surrounding social justice.
The Sundance Film Festival serves as an ideal platform for such discussions, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences alike who are passionate about thought-provoking cinema. Through this interview, we can expect to gain a deeper understanding of As We Speak while also appreciating Amanda Culkowski’s contributions to fostering meaningful dialogue through her work.
Please enjoy our interview here:
More About As We Speak:
Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.
J.M. Harper’s self-assured directorial debut unfolds like an original odyssey, shedding light on the intersection between the weaponization of rap lyrics and threats to freedom of speech. Traveling with Kemba grounds the international exploration in the perspective of an artist. He guides us through the origins of gangster rap to drill, studies on racial bias in music, discussions with legal experts, and candid conversations with influential artists like Killer Mike to reveal a profound history of targeting Black music and artists. Harper’s seamless transitioning between restructured interviews, animated sequences, and imaginative reenactments reveals an audacious vision that also reflects the depth and interconnectedness of the issues at hand. Harper’s sophisticated and immersive journey merges style and substance, boldly weaving through a web of issues, and ultimately shining a light on the First Amendment, provoking crucial questions about whom it protects.
Amanda is also Executive Producer on LOLLA: The Story of Lollapalooza, which also screened at Sundance.
Follow Amanda on Instagram @MandyCulk.
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Becky Morrison
Let’s all welcome new NYWIFT member Becky Morrison! Becky is the Founder & CEO of The Light, an award-winning production company that produces films, series and high-end commercials. Becky kicked-off her career on the Hollywood blockbuster I Am Legend, dabbled in animation on Disney’s The Wild, then entered the world of rock n’ roll as visual content producer for U2’s world tour. In the span of her career, Becky has produced hundreds of projects for clients such as Netflix, Apple, NBC, A&E, Hulu and Disney. She has spent years studying the history of Hollywood and uses her research to inform a new framework for conscious production. She spoke to us about how she is using her creative work to inspire positive change.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Cathy Perifimos
Meet NYWIFT new member Cathy Perifimos! Cathy is an entertainment attorney, Of Counsel at Thompson LLC, consulting with the firm on entertainment and media transactions. Previously, she was Vice President at Paramount Global, where she managed the business and legal affairs of Smithsonian Channel and worked on documentaries and unscripted projects across the MTV Entertainment Group brands. Prior to joining Smithsonian Channel in 2014, Cathy was an Associate at the boutique entertainment law firm of Dembitzer & Dembitzer LLP. She was also an Associate Agent in the dramatic rights department of the Curtis Brown literary agency. She is a graduate of Barnard College and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Cathy is a founding board member of Barnard Women in Entertainment, and at Cardozo is a member of the Filmmakers Legal Clinic Board and the FAME Advisory Board. Cathy resides in New Jersey with her husband and their cat. Recently, we asked Cathy about her impressive legal career in the entertainment industry.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Michelle de la Rosa
Let's all give a warm welcome to Michelle de la Rosa! Michelle is a freelance theatre and film director based in New York City. She is a native New Yorker with Puerto Rican and Jewish heritage. As a director, she has participated in several NYC theatre festivals. She studied directing under the mentorship of John Grabowski at the Acting Studio in New York. She is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and now NYWIFT! As a playwright, her short play Spell It (2021) was produced by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Continue reading to learn more about Michelle and how she got to where she is today as an artist.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Val Dowd
We’re thrilled to welcome our new NYWIFT member, Val Dowd! Val is a film sales manager with a passion for highlighting underrepresented voices. Some of her career highlights thus far include doing outreach for Matthew Heineman’s documentary The First Wave and working with her team on Hulu’s The Jewel Thief. She’s very motivated by community and finding films that can open doors for people and offer fresh perspectives. Read our interview with Val to learn more about the role of a film sales manager, how she approaches selling and distributing projects, and her love for film.
READ MORE
Comments are closed