Mississippi Filmmaker: Talamieka Brice
"I've always felt like Briar Rabbit in that I was born and raised in a briar patch, and even though I bear the scars, it has taught me to find the pathways that connect us all."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Today’s interview is a variation of our typical Rooted questionnaire. In partnership with the Magnolia Independent Film Festival, which was held last weekend in Starkville, we interviewed filmmaker, artist, and activist Talamieka Brice, whose short film “Our Rebellious Hearts” received Honorable Mention at the festival. “Our Rebellious Hearts” follows internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Teneia Sanders as she creates a song for all the rebellious, wild women of the world. Below, Talamieka shares some insight into her experience of being a filmmaker from and in Mississippi.
Where are you from?
I'm from Montgomery County. I bounced around between Duck Hill and Kilmichael, with a pitstop in Winona from time to time growing up. I attended Jackson State University on an academic scholarship and fell in love with the city. I've been primarily here in Jackson ever since.
How long have you lived in Mississippi?
Most of my life. I've stayed and visited various places but Mississippi always calls me home.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
Home means, roots, sanctuary, grit and inspiration. There's fertile soil here.
How did you decide to become a filmmaker?
I fell into filmmaking during the pandemic. I'd just opened an art show with fellow artists Sabrina Howard and Adrienne Domnick titled “How We Fly.” It was beautiful, then the pandemic hit, everything closed and I was alone with my kids and creative energy with nowhere to let it out. I'd been inspired by filmmakers I met while judging the Magnolia Film Festival the year before. My son was turning five and entering school and it was triggering for me with my experience of growing up in a small town and having the KKK terrorize my family in both 1988 and 1993. That was the spark for my documentary “FIVE: A Mother’s Journey.”
Some of the greatest artists of all time were born right here in Mississippi. The soil is ripe with that good magic and juju.
Tell us about your film "Our Rebellious Hearts," and where the idea for the film came from.
ORH, came from producer, Teneia Sanders. She'd been tasked with crafting a feminist empowerment anthem for a new organization called Tandem. Teneia and I have worked on various projects together and I was thrilled to bring her vision for the song to life via directing. We spent time strategizing and filming was a day of magic. Everyone brought their best forward. I'm super grateful for my crew and the cast. It was like everyone knew we were creating something bigger than ourselves.
How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path as an artist and filmmaker?
Some of the greatest artists of all time were born right here in Mississippi. The soil is ripe with that good magic and juju. Unfortunately, the oppressive policies of our Republican government have driven these people to other lands to thrive. I've always felt like Briar Rabbit in that I was born and raised in a briar patch, and even though I bear the scars, it has taught me to find the pathways that connect us all, challenge preconceived notions, and, if we're brave enough, chart a passage forward for new generations.
Are there unique benefits or challenges to being a filmmaker in Mississippi?
Yes, we don't have a ton of studios here and access to capital is a challenge all filmmakers have. Outside of the state there are harmful preconceived notions folks have about Mississippi. They just don't know that to understand the world, you've gotta understand Mississippi.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
That we're so fly and beautiful. We are a unique people, made of glitter and grit and when the right light hits us, we shine and glisten.
We are a unique people, made of glitter and grit and when the right light hits us, we shine and glisten.
Your film features three talented artists. Where can we learn more about these women and their work?
Dr. LaQuanta Nelson, who sings and plays the piano in the film, has served in education as a mentor, motivational speaker, consultant, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district level New Teacher Academy coordinator over the last twenty years. She currently serves as CEO of “The BOSS Educator” brand where she empowers schools, organizations, and corporations on their journey to become Bold, Optimistic, Spontaneous, and Substantial.
Teneia Sanders, the lead artist, is an international touring musician and songwriter with seven albums to her credit. She has won multiple awards, and had her work featured in HBO, Netflix, and award-winning independent films.
Rita Brent, who plays the drums in the film, is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Angela. She has appeared on Comedy Central, truTV, Epix TV, LOL Network, Circle TV, CNN, and more, and tours as an opening act with her mentors, Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer.
Tell us about the Magnolia Independent Film Festival in Starkville, where “Our Rebellious Hearts” premiered last week.
It's funny, I met the creator Ron Tibbett during my first job in my field at PlanetWeekly. I was awed by his tenacity and courage. Tragically, he died in a car accident. Fast forward to 2019 and meeting other filmmakers that poured into me and encouraged me I could be a filmmaker, to returning this year as an award-winning filmmaker who's screened my film with Dr. Imani Perry at Princeton. I've had the ability to travel the country screening my films and by far this is the best festival I've ever been to. I heard filmmakers from across the globe express the same sentiment in 2019 and I can attest that they're 100% right.
I love the Obama mural and am so happy to know who made it! I hate that the school is closing (that's where both my children went) but hope they use the building for something wonderful (maybe a public library??). Mississippi is lucky to have you!! We need more visionary filmmakers.
“To understand the world, you gotta understand Mississippi” Yes! So much yes! This is why I set up a second home back in Jackson, though my primary residence is in Houston, TX.