Chelsey Gabriel

I've been reading Glory Edim's "Well-Read Black Girl" recently. I would like to take her definition of reading and apply it to filmmaking (and art in general):

TV and film highlight the intersection of narrative and self-image to create compelling explorations of identity. Media has allowed me to witness myself and others on-screen and notice the discrepancies in how different communities are portrayed. Being an observant creative is an incredible gift, providing me with a lens to interpret the world, how it chooses to functions in regards to identity versus how it should on that subject.
I hold onto the characters and stories that looked like me, acted liked me, or introduced something new to me. As a self-proclaimed weird/awkward black girl, these portrayals always provide me satisfaction and a newfound self-awareness and show me the parallels in my own life. TV, specifically cartoons, had invigorated my imagination as a child and allowed me to realize which narratives I would want to center on when I became President of Cartoon Network or my own production company (whichever one came first): I want to create content for underrepresented groups to see their identities on-screen, which would allow them to be able to embrace themselves without reservation. I want to create content that shows my and others' limitless boundaries. I inspire black boys and girls to want to do the same, whether that be behind-the-scenes or on camera!

As an aspiring director and producer, I have committed myself to amplify my voice in this shape as to embrace, welcome, and make room for me, black women, and other underrepresented groups in media and encourage them to come to their own self-definition.