Q&A with Filmmaker Amber Iman

Sep 29

Amber Iman is a New York–based performer, filmmaker, and activist. She made her Broadway debut in Soul Doctor as Nina Simone, earning a Clive Barnes Award nomination, and appeared in Shuffle Along, Hamilton (first national tour), and television projects such as High Maintenance. A Howard University graduate, Amber brings her stage artistry to filmmaking. Her debut short Steve won awards for Best Short, Best Comedy, and Best Actress at multiple festivals. Her second short film, Blackberry Winter, is screening at the Bushwick Film Festival this year. Amber is also co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition and Black Women on Broadway.

This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

My boyfriend cheated on me and destroyed our relationship back in 2014. Years later, I’ve never forgotten the shift it caused in my life - how it affected my self esteem, created trust issues I’d never had before, etc. Now that I’m in a healthier place, I just wanted to explore the pain, but also the push through - how my friends and therapist helped me through. And how there was no “happy ending”, how sometimes the pain lingers and we have to find the best way forward.

Why does this story need to be told now?

Stories like mine help others know that they’re not alone. We’ve all been screwed over by a job, a relationship, a family member. Heartbreak is universal, but so is healing and growth. And sometimes shit is just uncomfortable and you have to embrace the discomfort… which is what a lot of us are experiencing in this country right now.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

I was starring in a Broadway show when we shot “BlackBerry Winter”. Broadway schedules are Tuesday to Sunday and we shot Sunday to Tuesday. The biggest challenge was rest and balance. Sunday, I did a matinee at 2pm and we wrapped at 2am. Tuesday we filmed until 5:30 and then I ran to do my show at 7. So I forfeited sleep, and my day off. But I was so excited to create and bring this dream to life that the challenge wasn’t that daunting.

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

I’m a 5’11, natural haired, dark skinned chocolate drop. I don’t see enough women who look like me onscreen. I wrote my first short so I could see 2 tall, chocolate people, in a sexy scene. Representation matters. It helps make the impossible feel way more tangible. And I wanted younger, tall, natural haired chocolate drops to have things a little easier than I did coming up.

What’s the last book you read?

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl

What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?

Flavored sparkling water, dark chocolate, orange bell peppers (I eat them like apples)

This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series

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