of five kids, I’ve got real big-sister energy. I’m protective and want to take care of people. But I also know when I have to take charge, what it means to be a leader. It shapes me as a director. To lead well, you have to care.young black girl growing up in Compton, California. I loved my neighbourhood, community, my all-girls Catholic high school. I know so many folks who had hard paths in their early years. I’m grateful to have had a different experience.
Whatever I’ve done is thanks to her.in America don’t make films. I’m entirely self-taught. Family didn’t open doors for me. I worked as a film publicist, and was often on set and around directors. It made me think: I can do what they’re doing. So I tried it, aged 32.films that have an impact, to reframe ideas and change minds, to teach and challenge. To spend two years of my life on a film that doesn’t say anything doesn’t appeal to me.