Today we’d like to introduce you to Ina Norris.
Hi Ina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began my writing journey in grade school but kept my talent a secret until my time at Hampton University, where opportunities to enter poetry contests emerged. I eventually crossed paths with Pamela Lee and Juliet Smith, who encouraged me to explore playwriting. This endeavor not only garnered immediate attention as a writer but also served as a springboard for producing numerous plays under my production company, In A Woman Productions. Additionally, it paved the way for me to co-found the Kwanzaa Film Festival.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Breaking ground in the film and theater industry proves challenging, given the prevalence of gatekeepers who wield significant influence over one’s fate. Women, in particular, frequently encounter barriers to navigating a circle dominated by male gatekeepers, resulting in exclusion. Success in this profession necessitates mastering the skills of securing funding, identifying opportunities, and creating content with a defined audience. Moreover, the cyclical nature of the business, marked by numerous highs and lows, poses a considerable challenge to maintaining a balanced life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have dedicated a significant part of my life to various fields, including the arts, teaching, social service, directing films, and theater production. While I am recognized for my contributions to the arts, I take pride in my impact on youth, emphasizing social and emotional learning. Noteworthy works include plays like “Nobody Loves a Black Little Girl When She Becomes a Woman,” “A Secret Lies Inside My Sister’s Womb,” “Ain’t Yo Mama Crying on the Pancake Box-Car,” “The Turnstyle Warrior,” “Don’t Play That Song for Me,” and “Danny’s Waltz.” I’ve also produced films such as “First Fruit” and “The Last Tango of Harlem” and directed projects, including the recent play “Sunflowers on Mother’s Day.”
Beyond my creative endeavors, I’ve made significant changes within the systems I’ve worked in, such as pioneering the idea of daycare for Administration for Children Services in the 1980s and initiating the first job readiness program and job fair in the NYCHA system. Fundraising efforts at The Learning Tree Preparatory School, a black independent institution, and advocacy within the prison system are among my proud achievements.
What sets me apart is the commitment to collaborate with emerging talents fostering their development. Moreover, our focus on healing the underserved distinguishes our work. As the administrator of the Kwanzaa Film Festival, which actively operates throughout the year, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and communities through my various roles and projects.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
To embark on a journey in film and theater, start by educating yourself. Write letters to individuals you admire to initiate meaningful connections. Identify your tribe – those who share your passion and vision. Stay organized by documenting your goals and pace yourself in pursuing them. Finally, reflect on whether this industry is worth fighting for and commit to the journey with determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Thekwanzaafilmfestival.com
- Instagram: @InaNorris @Kwanzaafilmfest
- Facebook: Ina Norris
- Twitter: Ina Norris
- Youtube: In A Woman productions and Kwanzaa film festival
