2018 NYC Web Fest - Let Nina Prosper
A story that follows a Black queer woman through love, career, friendship, and family.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Eboni Sadé
Watch Let Nina Prosper here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I created my web series because I wanted to tell the story of the late 20-something queer women of color trying to find their footing, nurture bonds with friends, and digging into what it means to be loved. I used my hometown of Jersey City as the backdrop as a sort of an ode to the city that raised me. The making of the series was important to me. I wanted to mirror the feeling of 90s sitcoms that I loved like 'Martin' and 'Living Single' with an updated style. Each character also represents a unique woman of color – in skin tones, shapes/sizes, personal beliefs, LGBTQIA+, etc – was crucial.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Relatability. Approaching 30 and wondering where your life is actually headed. Celebrating small and major victories with your girlfriends. Creating a safe haven and looking around that circle to see other queer women of color who truly have your back. And still finding time to laugh, be silly, and enjoy whatever comes your way.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The show deals with friendships, career stagnancy, going for a promotion you rightfully deserve as a woman of color but being afraid to do so, and more which are all universal themes. We deal with those themes by facing them head on. From a personal perspective, I knew I wanted to include a debate about attending HBCUs as a graduate of Howard University. I think the significance of HBCUs lies in allowing people of color to hone their voice within an academic setting.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
From the beginning, I had a set list of topics that I wanted to discuss. Some of the jokes within conversations evolved to reflect the current climate. For instance, I make mention of James Comey leading a lecture at Howard University which did not go well with current students. Another example is the evolution of Laila's good friend, Toni. Toni's character does not subscribe to preconceived gender lines and I thought it was important to explore that character.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been wonderful! I always enjoy when people see themselves within one or more characters. And I think the relationship that the lead character, Nina, has with her friends is relatable to a lot of our friendships.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
One surprising tidbit is the growing interest in Camille, Nina's older sister. Nina and Camille's strained relationship comes across in Episode 5. In the future, I would like to explore more of their relationship and give a bit of backstory on Camille's character.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think visibility is key. I hope viewers find a connection with the characters and the message.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I am looking for continued partnerships with producers, buyers, and distributors with strong ties to the LGBTQIA+ community.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think the impact that the web series relies on is visibility. I want people to see themselves - see their struggles, triumphs, setbacks, and let downs within the series. And to laugh uncontrollably at the future we are all trying so hard to create for ourselves.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Has the current landscape of television and film allowed queer women of color to be the leads as opposed to the sidekick friends?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently, I am working on the script for Season 2 of the web series and also a script for a feature-length film.
Interview: November 2018
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
Let Nina Prosper
A story that follows a Black queer woman through love, career, friendship, and family.
Length: Varied (episodic)
Director: Eboni Sadé
Producer: Eboni Sadé
Writer: Eboni Sadé
About the writer, director and producer:
EBONI SADÉ is the Writer, Director, and Producer of the web series. She also plays the lead role of Nina. Born in Jersey City, NJ, Eboni got her undergrad degree from Howard University and her masters in Digital Cinema Production from The New School.
Key cast: Eboni Sade, Devin Nelson
Looking for: Producers, Buyers, Distributors
Facebook: @225cinema
Twitter: @ebonisade
Instagram: @letninaprosper, @225cinema, @luv.sade
Funders: @225cinema
Made in association with: @225cinema
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? letninaprosper.com