ALLANA DE'NAI, DIRECTOR OF 'MAHOGANY'
3-TIME NOMINEE BEST FEATURE FILM, BEST DIRECTORIAL DEBUT, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Breaking the Mold: A Conversation with Allana De'Nai, Director of "Mahogany"
In the fiercely competitive world of filmmaking, it's a rare feat to find a new voice that resounds with such authenticity and raw emotional power. Enter Allana De'Nai, an African-American actress, producer, director, and writer whose directorial debut, "Mahogany," has been honored with three nominations at the prestigious Lonely Wolf International Film Festival for Best Feature Film, Best Directorial Debut, and Best Original Screenplay. "Mahogany" is an unfiltered, coming-of-age drama set in the harsh realities of an urban neighborhood. The narrative centers around Mo, played by De'Nai herself, a young woman determined to rise above her surroundings, which are characterized by drugs, crime, violence, and poverty. As the danger intensifies around her, Mo's decisions and resilience are put to the ultimate test. Hailing from Killeen, Texas, Allana De'Nai has been steadily building her reputation in the film industry. She started her journey in 2016 with theatre and commercial acting for several local and international brands. She then transitioned to starring in and producing various independent films before taking the reins to write, direct, and produce her own work. This remarkable journey culminated in the creation of her own film company, "Mahogany Films Productions." Off-screen, De'Nai's influence extends beyond the realms of film and acting. She is also a self-help and personal development author, using her platform to empower others, showcasing the same determination and courage her character, Mo, displays on-screen. In addition to De'Nai's captivating performance, "Mahogany" features a strong ensemble cast, including Corrigan Coleman as Quan, Bruce CallMeChoko Zelaya as Mike, Jasmin Garlic as Angie, and Kalvin Kosha Fitzgerald as Deshawn. Join us as we sit down with Allana De'Nai, the inspirational force behind "Mahogany," to discuss her groundbreaking directorial debut, her creative process, and her journey from actress to multi-talented filmmaker. This is a tale of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who refused to be confined by the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. What inspired you to create this film? Could you share some insights into the genesis of the idea? The inspiration for my film "Mahogany" came after my first year of teaching middle school. Many of the students I taught resembled Mahogany in the film, grappling with the risk of becoming products of their environment. I wanted to write something relatable and educational for them, ultimately inspiring them to rise above their circumstances. How did you approach the subject matter of this film? What research or preparatory work was involved? As the writer, I aimed to create relatable characters. The music, clothing, and vibrant colors seen throughout the film were all intentional. My goal was to captivate the younger generation since the film was made for them. I want them to watch the film and take something away from it. Could you share some challenges faced during the film's production? How did you overcome them? Filming the entire movie in seven days was a challenge in itself. We were constantly racing against time and daylight for our outdoor scenes, which comprised half the movie. Over-planning and preparation were crucial in overcoming this challenge. Being proactive rather than reactive was essential. I devoted ample time in the preproduction phase to create a shooting schedule that ensured we could complete the movie in a week, and we did! Your film has been described as "powerful" and "innovative." What do you believe gives it these qualities? |
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