From ‘Where There is Spirit’ to ‘Tobacco Road’: My Journey in Experimental Filmmaking
By Kiara Danae
Participating in the Resisting Narratives of Erasure fellowship was a profoundly transformative experience for me as a filmmaker. This program didn’t just support our work; it encouraged us to bring our whole selves to the process. Through this journey, I was able to push past personal fears and grapple with the ever-present imposter syndrome that often lingers when working in spaces not always designed with folks like me in mind.
Where There is Spirit, the film I wrote, directed, and edited as part of the fellowship, reflected this newfound freedom. It explored themes of spirituality and what it means to reclaim one’s identity, especially as a Black queer woman. Through the Visionary Justice StoryLab and one of our guest speakers, Ja'tovia Gary, I realized that filmmaking can be queered not only in content but also in practice. I didn’t have to follow a rigid formula or compromise my vision to be heard. Instead, I could craft a process unique to me and center my work on the very thing that brought me to filmmaking in the first place: community.
Focusing on a personal journey of self-discovery through nature and community, Where There is Spirit exalts the act of trusting yourself and letting go. This theme resonates deeply with me: letting go of fear, expectations, and the desire to fit into the rigid molds that traditional filmmaking can impose. It's about allowing spirit to take the lead. My work can be described as an observation of memory, ancestry, and nature. This in itself calls for the fear of the abnormal to be cast aside.
Working with a small crew meant that trust was paramount. Every person involved brought their own spirit into the film, and collaboration became essential to creating something authentic. We relied on one another, shared ideas, and leaned into uncertainty. That’s what I want to carry forward with me—filmmaking that’s grounded in community care, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s not just about the final product; it's about how we get there.
The experience of creating this film was sometimes experimental, messy, and uncomfortable. And that’s where the magic happened. Pushing past the fear of not having enough resources, not having all the answers, and just trusting the process. That’s what filmmaking is for me now—trusting that the story will come through if you open yourself up.
As I move forward into my next project, Tobacco Road, I’m holding onto these lessons. This is my thesis film—a narrative drama that continues to explore themes of ancestry, spirituality, and the journey of self-discovery. Filming takes place in my hometown, so it’s another deeply personal project, one that I hope will resonate with people who have found the courage to revisit the past, their roots, and themselves.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll soon launch a crowdfunding campaign to help bring Tobacco Road to life. This project is a natural progression from Where There is Spirit, building on the experimental techniques and community-centered approach I’ve come to value so deeply.
Where There is Spirit has been transformative for me, both as a filmmaker and as a person. I’m grateful for the chance to tell this story, and I’m eager to keep telling stories that matter and honor the journey of self-liberation. To those out there who feel you don’t fit the mold—embrace it. Your unique perspective is your strength. Trust your vision, lean on your community, and let your spirit guide you. That's where the true magic of storytelling lies.
Kiara Danae is a 2024 Resisting Narratives of Erasure fellow.