Queens Native Award-Winning Filmmaker Set To Be The Change

It's only a few weeks after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police. In Hollywood, different entertainment companies sent out several statements in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, a protest against systemic racism and police brutality.

So many corporations under the film industry gave donations to antiracists nonprofits and declared their dedication to diversity. There was a recall for flashbacks on the industry's poor record of inclusion and diversity.

After all this, the story remains the same. The structure is still how it used to be over the years. There is a lack of black executives in Studio's ranks, and other sectors of the film industry have been destabilized with white nepotism.

Notwithstanding, the solution to this issue that has eaten deep into the film industry is for a general restructuring to be carried out to flush out the pandemic from the entertainment and media industries.

But the big question is, is it possible for this change to take place?

Here is a brief interview on this subject matter with the Award-winning CEO of Antoine Allen Films, Antoine Allen.

1. As A Film producer, what can you say about the systemic racism that has eaten deep into the film industry?

AA: It is so sad in 2020 we are still talking about this. The Film industry is a beautiful industry only when everyone is working together for the greater good. Unfortunately, we still have some hateful racists in this world. Let's consider the case of Harvey Weinstein. This man built a multi-million dollar company just to lose it all. He abused his power to the max, and now he's going to die an old man full of regrets.

2. Having gone through your profile, I see that you have achieved a lot of progress as a movie producer. How have you managed to come so far amidst favoritism in the film industry?

AA: I have accomplished so much because I do not wait for anyone to validate me. I am a big advocate of validating yourself. Most people in this industry will not reach their full potential, not because they're not talented; they are begging for a seat at a table. I believe you should build your table; the food tastes better this way, trust me.

3. I read a post on the Los Angeles Times, where African-American producers were giving accounts of their encounter in the Movie Industry. Do you have any personal experience to share with us?

AA: Yes, I know about that, and I'm so happy everybody is coming out to share their experiences. When I was showing "Lola," one of my latest productions, around to get investors, I had some people advising me to consider getting someone of a lighter complexion? In translation, they were telling me to get someone lighter to Target a more commercial demographic, which is the Caucasian audience. In this industry, some productions would cast a lighter African-American person over a dark-skinned actor. It is sad, but 100% true. Thank God that I knew my worth and knew my power. I did not listen to those small-minded individuals.

4. Outside the movie industry, have you ever encountered any incident related to racism before?

AA: YES. Being an African-American man in this world, you deal with it a lot. About 5 years ago, I remembered walking back home from work after a night shift, on 42, street Time Square in Manhattan. I wore a suit that particular day. A cop halted me and requested to see my ID. I asked him why, and he replied that I look suspicious. He said maybe I'm someone they're looking for. Then, I showed him my ID. He checked it and couldn't find anything incriminating because I don't have any criminal record. He then asked me if the ID was mine. I got so mad and asked him if he is a rookie. Immediately, he gave me my ID and walked away. I still feel so disgusting thinking about that incident.

5. Do you think this systemic racism can be flushed out of the system?

AA: No. The system is too rotten to the core. We have to come together and build our system built of love and respect for each other. Not hate and systemic racism.

6. As the CEO of Antoine Allen Films, how have you contributed to the extermination of racism in the industry?

AA: I give everybody an opportunity to better themselves. I invest in Filmmaker's projects financially and timewise. The people that paved the way for my community did great. But a lot of them got in the door and closed it behind them or just left it cracked open a bit. Instead of me complaining, I'd rather be the solution to the problems. I am the change that I want to see in the industry,

7. What is your candid advice to all blacks creators in the movie Industry concerning this issue?

AA: We have to work together and invest in our community consistently. Plain and simple.

8. How do you feel about the Oscar Organization and the new steps they are taking to have more African-Americans on broad?

AA: I think it's beautiful. It's just sad it took almost 100 years to get it right. But I prefer NAACP image awards myself.

9. Tell us about organizations or individuals that helped you on your journey in the film industry.

AA: So many beautiful people help me on this journey. But I can name a few that come to mind. First, God was my GPS to become this incredible man you see today. My magnificent wife is my partner and my biggest support system. My best friend and business partner, Eugene Walker. Emelyn Stuart from Stuart Cinema & Café. She is the first Black Latino to own a movie theater in Brooklyn, NY. She is a big inspiration to me. Emelyn has been one of my great support systems at the beginning of my career and Del Westin from the AOF film festival. His film Festival was the first festival that ever won an award and was the first person that invested in me financially. Also, Jesse Atkinson. He told me not to be afraid of using my business savvy skills. I will never forget these incredible Angels.

Catch the latest must-see movie, "Lola," by Antione Allen, at this year American Black Film Festival.