Filmmaker Profile: Felicia Pride
Felicia Pride
Felicia Pride is a TV writer / producer and an award-winning filmmaker (BEL-AIR, GREY’S ANATOMY, QUEEN SUGAR, REALLY LOVE) who’s career in media and entertainment has spanned almost twenty-five years. Felicia founded and runs HONEY CHILE, a media + production company that tells stories by, for, and/or about Black women 40+. HONEY CHILE currently has projects setup at Netflix, Amazon, CBS Studios, Universal, Sony, and Lifetime. The first podcast out of its audio division, CHILE, PLEASE, was twice-nominated for an NAACP Image award. Its latest feature film proof of concept, LOOK BACK AT IT, which Felicia wrote and directed, was nominated for a Humanitas Prize and won the Audience Award at BlackStar.
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?
The most important women in my life are my mother, sister, and my niece. Individually, they are complex and loving and giving and complicated. Together, they love hard and sometimes messily. And they’re a hoot. LOOK BACK AT IT is loosely based on them. I asked myself what's an extreme thing a daughter could do to show her mother that she wants more for her.
Describe who you want this film to reach.
Black women across generations and then anyone who sees their family in it.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
I had the opportunity to work with so many family and friends: My mother was location manager. My niece was a P.A. (her first time on set). My bestie did the hair. My cousin acted in it. My homeboy was a P.A. We filmed at my aunt's house. The way that Baltimore showed up for us was incredible. The set felt like family. Like home.
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
More than half of our cast is from Baltimore, including our lead actress Angel Laketa Moore. I was also able to work with my cousin Aaron Watkins who played Dante in the film.
How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?
It is one of the best feelings in the world. A mix of nerves, exhilaration, validation, and satisfaction.
Felicia Pride’s Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
