Choices
Three very different friends find renewed connection as they await pregnancy results at their Los Angeles High School.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Kameishia Wooten
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The creation of Choices was driven by a desire to fill a gap in the film industry, where there are few coming-of-age comedies that explore reproductive health issues for Black teens. The film offers a unique perspective and a fresh take on familiar themes, with a tone that can be described as Breakfast Club meets Juno. The goal was to create a lighthearted and fun narrative that empowers and celebrates Black characters with innocence and grace.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Audiences should watch Choices to experience a human story that deals with tough issues while being entertained. The film aims to remove the stigma from conversations around abortion and reproductive choices, especially for Black teens and other BIPOC communities.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My aim was to craft a delightful movie that delved into the themes of sisterhood, cherishing your youth, and the liberty to choose, all in a harmonious manner, without any particular decision being given preference over the other. I opted for well-balanced frames for scenes featuring all three characters, and I introduced each character in a unique and empowering manner. To maintain a cheerful and enjoyable atmosphere, I incorporated lively music and playful performances throughout the film.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Prior to production, I wrote 15 different versions of my script. I got into the WIF/Google shorts lab with my 9th draft. However, I found myself with two distinct versions of the script when starting the program. The 15th draft was a more somber take on the subject matter, influenced by the passionate feedback I received from others. When I presented both drafts to my mentor, I was advised that I had been over-noted. I breathed a sigh of relief, as I knew deep down that my ninth draft was the truest representation of my voice and vision for the film.
Of course, the challenges of production were not limited to the creative process. Filming during the Covid Omicron outbreak presented its own set of obstacles. Originally set in a bathroom, we struggled to find a location that met the motion picture covid requirements. I rewrote the script to take place beneath the bleachers of a school, a location that held personal significance for me because that was my hang-out spot in high school. This change not only solved our logistical issues but also added a new layer of visual flexibility for my cinematographer and I.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The response to the movie has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous individuals feeling at ease to divulge their personal accounts of undergoing an abortion. I had the privilege of presenting it at two separate showcases during this year's Cannes film festival, where I was approached by individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities who expressed their gratitude for creating such an important and relevant film. In fact, someone even inquired about the possibility of translating the film into various languages to reach a wider audience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
This feedback so far has not surprised or challenged my point of view, but rather reinforced the importance of telling this story. Now, I would love to figure out how to make it more global.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope people will follow the journey of Choices by following me on Instagram, checking out the film page, or offering to support it in whatever way they deem appropriate.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
To amplify the film's message, I would love to get this in front of more festival directors for additional screening opportunities, as well as journalists to amplify the film's message. After the writer's strike, I am also seeking to collaborate with producing partners who can help with the development and funding of a feature film or television adaptation of this timely project.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The impact and reception I hope for are to remove the stigma from conversations around abortion and reproductive choices, especially for Black teens and other BIPOC communities.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
A key question that can spark a debate or conversation about the film is, "How can we create a safe and supportive environment for teens to make informed decisions about their reproductive health?"
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently developing longer versions of Choices for both television and film. I have other projects in the works with producers, Victoria Brown and Janae Green.
Interview: June 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Choices
Three very different friends find renewed connection as they await pregnancy results at their Los Angeles High School.
Length: 12:50
Director: Kameishia Wooten
Producer: Meagann Pallares, Janae D. Green
Writer: Kameishia Wooten
About the writer, director and producer:
KAMEISHIA WOOTEN is an award-winning writer and director based in LA, known for creating socially impactful content that challenges societal norms. She has written, directed, and produced 7 short films and a web series. Most recently, she was selected for Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative as a shadowing director. She is a 2022 Fellow of WIF's inaugural Shorts Lab supported by Google for her short film, Choices. Her feature screenplay, Destiny’s Road was selected for the WIF/Sundance Financing Intensive and a finalist for the Stowe Story Lab Fellowship. The proof-of-concept version of the same name has screened in over 20 film festivals and has received several awards. Originally from NC, Kameishia earned her MFA in Directing from Columbia College Chicago and is a UNC Chapel Hill alum. She’s worked in various production and business affairs roles at Disney, Paramount, and Netflix. She serves as a board member for AWD. Kameishia's ultimate goal is to create content that entertains while promoting culture, inclusivity, and community.
Key cast: MARAJANAI KIRBY (fka Nay Nay Kirby) (Aisha), KEITH ARTHUR BOLDEN (Dad), NANDI NFR KA (Jessica), MAXCIANNA SAINTILUS (Portia)
Looking for: film festival directors
Instagram: @kamrock06
Hashtags used: #choicesfilm
Website: kameishiawooten.com/choices-1
Made in association with: Women In Film and Google
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
TBD