Today, we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Mitchell.
Hi Theresa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Theresa Mitchell. I am the CEO & Founder of Jhene Productions. We specialize in creating films that highlight the voices of BIPOC in the areas of maternal health, sexual assault, etc. As a filmmaker, it is my passion to share unheard stories of people of color and to shine a light on many of the disparities that we face today.
Jhene Productions was founded on the understanding that black & brown stories matter. For years, we have been marginalized and silenced. The silence is now broken because Jhene Productions has been birthed. We are a team of minority women and men who are creating documentaries that highlight and give voice to the unheard black and brown voices.
Our first film, Life After Loss, shares several intimate stories of black women and their journey to motherhood. We highlight specifically the black maternal health crisis in the United States of America and its impact on black & brown women and men.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in the film industry allows for immense creative expression, enabling me to bring important stories to life and shed light on important social issues like maternal health and sexual assault, particularly within BIPOC communities.
Financial Challenges: The lack of funding and financing for films, particularly those addressing sensitive or niche topics, can be a significant challenge. Securing budgets for production, marketing, and distribution may require extensive networking, grant writing, or fundraising efforts.
Navigating these challenges while staying true to my passion and vision requires resilience, determination, and a strong support network.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jhene Productions is empowering minority voices by providing a platform for their stories to be heard and validated. By highlighting the experiences of black and brown women and men, particularly in areas like maternal health and sexual assault, we are breaking the silence and challenging societal norms. Through our documentaries, we are raising awareness about critical issues impacting black and brown communities, such as the maternal health crisis and the backlog of untested rape kits.
By shedding light on these topics, we are advocating for systemic change and justice. As a filmmaker with personal experience related to the subject matter, Theresa Mitchell brings a unique perspective and authenticity to the storytelling process. This personal connection allows for a deeper exploration of the issues and fosters empathy and understanding among audiences.
Jhene Productions is making significant strides in amplifying the voices of black and brown women and men, advocating for social change. By continuing to tell impact stories and spark important conversations, we are contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
On the positive side, I’ve been fortunate to encounter opportunities that have propelled my career forward. For instance, stumbling upon the idea for Jhene Productions and finding a supportive team of minority women and men who shared my vision was a stroke of luck. Additionally, securing funding or gaining access to influential networks at crucial moments can be attributed to good luck.
However, there have also been instances of bad luck or adversity that I’ve had to overcome. For example, facing personal tragedies like the loss of my children before the birth of my rainbow baby, Jhene, was an incredibly challenging experience. This adversity shaped my perspective and fueled my determination to advocate for marginalized voices in my film-making.
Moreover, navigating the unpredictable nature of the film industry, such as funding setbacks or distribution challenges, has required resilience in the face of adversity. While these moments of bad luck may have been difficult to endure, they’ve also served as learning experiences, strengthening my resolve and shaping the direction of my business.
Ultimately, while luck has certainly played a role in shaping my journey, I believe that perseverance, determination, and a commitment to my vision have been equally crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in my life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jheneproductions.wixsite.com/jheneproductions
- Instagram: @jheneproductions
- Facebook: @jheneproductions
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jhene-productions
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JheneProduction
