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a simple pitch and a plea for support, Imara was able to assemble a team of actors, writers, directors and others who would go on to create Seven Black Women’s first project. “We started producing with iPhones, as this was all we had,” recounts Imara. “Now, we’re filming on an ARRI ALEXA.” ON THE UP After soft-launching Seven Black Women, Imara says: “We knew this was something we had to continue.” She was accepted to a programme targeted at emerging producers, receiving a bursary from the BFI to attend the National Film & Television School. These experiences allowed her to make industry connections and gave her the confidence to tackle more ambitious projects. “The most challenging aspect has been trying to find support, just to ensure you can make the things you want to see happen.” As Seven Black Women evolves, moving towards bigger productions with larger target audiences, Imara says: “It requires thinking on my feet as a producer, being creative with how we can make these projects happen and reaching out and connecting with industry professionals.” Seven Black Women currently has two short films under its belt: Small Chops ,
PASSION PROJECTS Diversity is a recurrent topic in today’s production industries – and should be an important consideration on any project. “I would like to see more diverse production crews, especially on high-end projects,” states Imara. She is one of a growing number who are working to make this a reality – and who know that change must often come from those at the top. “We’ve developed so much since we started, but we’re still passionate about ensuring Black women are in leading positions on-screen and behind the scenes,” details Imara. “As the years have passed, I’ve seen some amazing Black women leading the way and creating valuable work – such as Fiona Lamptey, Teanne Andrews, Raine Allen Miller and Akua Gyamfi. Hopefully there will be space for so many more.” A big motivation for Imara is faith, who shares: “It leads me forward, allowing me to be bold, knowing that I can take any idea and make something meaningful out of it.” She’s brought this faith to all her endeavours, which extend beyond Seven Black Women. For over three years, she's acted as a producer, writer and mentor, working with the likes of the Heritage & Honour Collection and the Talawa Theatre Company. She is passionate about Black history, women in film and accessibility in the creative industries.
written by Nikki Iyayi and directed by Stephanie Boateng, and Ugly Instagram , written by Testimony Ogunrin and directed by Temi Yussuf. Imara was executive and lead producer for both. “Over 90% of our crew were Black women and women of colour,” shares Imara, “and we aim to continue this. We would also love to push that forward and work with companies to create and hire a more diverse crew.” Seven Black Women has previously partnered with Resource Productions and Girls in Film, two organisations with similar missions.
Follow Seven Black Women on Instagram @sevenblackwomen_ or email info@ sevenblackwomen.co.uk to get in touch
BLACK VISIBILITY Seven Black Women’s two short films, Small Chops and Ugly Instagram, were created with crews consisting mainly of Black women or women of colour
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