INTENT
In filmmaking, my passion lies in telling stories that resonate with the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC), women and femme community, shedding light on our experiences and challenges. The core of my artistic vision is embodied in a project titled "Sweetness," a narrative that delves into themes of resilience, identity, and navigating interpersonal relationships within the context of domestic violence. My goal is to elevate Sweetness to new heights as a film and as a catalyst for dialogue, empowerment, and skill building.
One crucial aspect of my plan facilitates a recorded table read and subsequent discussion, exclusively featuring TGNC individuals and experts in domestic and interpersonal violence de-escalation. This endeavor aims to create a safe and inclusive space for participants to share their insights, drawing from personal experiences and professional knowledge.
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Recognizing the importance of compensating contributors for their time and expertise, a significant portion of any funds will remunerate all participants in the table read and discussion. This commitment to fair compensation is rooted in the belief that the narratives of TGNC individuals are often marginalized, and it is essential to value their contributions to the storytelling process.
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Furthermore, the table read and discussion will serve as a platform to gather valuable feedback that will be instrumental in refining the next drafts of the Sweetness feature script. By incorporating the perspectives of those who have lived through similar experiences and the expertise of professionals in the field, the project gains a greater level of depth and utility, ensuring its resonance with diverse audiences.
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As we move into pre production, the insights gathered from this collaborative process will not only enhance the script but also inform the overall creative direction of the film. My commitment to authenticity and advocacy is not just a professional pursuit but a personal one, rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to positively represent TGNC individuals in the cinematic landscape. The cast and crew will be comprised of TGNC filmmakers and experts in the fields of domestic and interpersonal violence. Everyone will receive training that can be instrumental in deescalating situations of abuse and violence, equipping our crew with skills that can move beyond the film space. This is my commitment to application through praxis and world building.
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ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS:
SET IN THE
DEEP SOUTH
LIKE GEORGIA
Sweetness is a film that follows Tara, a black trans woman, who survives the night by learning what it means to fight to be the woman she is, even when those she cherishes most seem to turn on her. She’s been in a loving relationship with Marcus, a proud black man, for the last three years but begins questioning their validity when she meets a young trans girl who needs a little help.
Tara Summers has been struggling for years to please her competitive man’s man of a father by fighting in the ring to win his approval. She’s become a champion amongst champions, but deep down, there is a part of her she’s denying. She is a transwoman, but it wasn’t until she met a man who indeed saw her that she found the courage to walk in her power. Unfortunately, this comes at the price of her relationship with her father. But as she loses one love, she gains another, Marcus- a cis black man borderline obsessed with her beauty.
Through tragic circumstances, Marcus and Tara end up in a three-year-long relationship where they both seem to be thriving except for the occasional fight and makeup dance. However, while working at the local community center, Tara finds a new friend, Chantelle, another Black trans woman who needs assistance to escape her abusive sugar daddy. Because of Tara’s golden heart and Marcus’s love for Tara, Chantelle is invited to stay with the couple while she gets back on her feet.
Unfortunately, this time spent in a tiny cramped apartment has begun to apply pressure on their relationship as Tara is exposed to more and more doubtful tendencies displayed by Marcus. She questions whether he truly loves her when he keeps her a secret from other people, like his family. Chantelle only exacerbates this paranoia, pointing out the oddities of their relationship while avoiding her own.
To curb her disruption of their once glorious seeming relationship, Chantelle offers the keys to her ex-lovers' cabin for a weekend couples reprieve. Though the intention is kind, the experience only exaggerates the cracks in their relationship, culminating in a knockdown, drag-out battle between lovers. Sad to see, but Tara has trained to defend herself her entire life, and she will let no one, not even the man she loves, jeopardize her safety.
By the end, Tara finds solace in a support group for battered women that meet at the local community center. She and Chantelle form a bond that dispels the misguidance of the men they’d come to love. Tara also reunites with her wayward father, and though she never gains his acceptance or understanding, she does have his love and respect, which is all she ever needs. Tara learned to forge her path in life, leaning into the safety of genuine friendships and support because women need women to survive.
External need/ goal: Tara searches for community and connection from external forces, including her father and a support group for battered women. She must survive. Live another day to thrive as her most authentic self.
Internal need/ goal: Tara must reject the idea that she is not good enough and worthy of love. She must practice self-love. Choose herself over a man. This is shown through her gender expression and internal battle about being passable to make others more comfortable about her transness.
Philosophical need/ goal: Individual vs. society- Should she conform to what others require or choose to find happiness as her whole self. Individual vs. the self. “To be black and visibly queer is to choose your happiness over safety.” - Dashaun Harrison.