Three queer women affirm mind, body, spirit, and themselves by exploring the “yoni-verse” of self-love and self-actualization.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jay Gash

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you very much! My film came about during a time that I did not feel like I was living my best life, progressing, or taking care of myself in the way I deserved and needed to. So I arrived at the idea and need to create something that represented my journey of building confidence within and doing things that empowered and strengthened my mind, body, and spirit.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch Take Care because it holds an important message for everyone to take care of, be kind to, and forgive themselves in small ways because finding things that evoke self-love and healing are incredibly important. Most people are too busy with the ins and outs of the day to day to take a moment for themselves to “go up for air” which is often the result of self-neglect. Living and surviving in the world isn’t an easy feat, but in the midst of what can sometimes feel like overwhelming chaos there is a way to find a light. It’s all about doing the little things consistently. Doing things for yourself that are cleansing and special so that you can face anything with your whole self. I hope that is something that resonates with the audience.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think as a human being it is important to get to know yourself, love yourself and take care of yourself to the best of your ability.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Initially I was going to make Take Care a silent film, which then shifted to having each character write and record VO for their individual scenes. I felt that hearing the voices of the queer women of color who star in the film was a powerful compliment to the visuals.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Overall, the film has received positive feedback from those who have seen it. So far Take Care has screened at the Queer Women of Color Film Festival (2017), Wicked Queer Boston LGBT Film Festival (2018), and may soon have an international premiere.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think that the feedback has expanded my point of view and has allowed me to have more open conversations with queer women and women of color about the topic of healing.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I’m hoping that people will want to watch and support the film. I’m also hoping that it creates more production, distribution, and networking opportunities.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like for queer women and women of color to feel empowered by this film, to recognize that healing is an important journey, and realize that their stories matter.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What do you need or do for your personal self-care?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for the opportunity to be featured on wearemovingstories.com.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I’m producing and directing a feature length documentary about inter generational tea parties. A short version of the documentary will premiere at the Queer Women of Color Film Festival in June 2018.

Interview: April 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, 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

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Take Care (2017)

Three queer women affirm mind, body, spirit, and themselves by exploring the “yoni-verse” of self-love and self-actualization.

Length: 4 minutes

Director: Jay Gash

Producer: Jay Gash

Writer(s): Jay Gash, Dezí Soley, and Kim Washington

About the writer, director and producer:

Jay Gash: producer, director, writer, photographer, artist and educator born & raised in Oakland, CA, passionate about exposing young people of color to opportunities in media and tech.

Dezi Solèy: prizmatic artist (actor, model, dancer, choreographer, writer, designer) dedicated to co-creating embodiments of the Divine through explorations in theater, film & performance art.

Kim Washington: producer, actor (“Seeds”, “SWIPE”), writer and screenwriter (“Take the L”) based in Los Angeles, CA.

Key cast: Dezí Soley, Jay Gash, Kim Washington

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Distributors, journalists, buyers, film festival directors

Social media handles:

Facebook: Jay M-Gash

Twitter: @jmgash

Instagram: @jay_gash @jgashphotography

Other: Vimeo.com/jaygash

Made in association with: Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP) and QWOCMAP Film & Freedom Academy

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Vimeo. Submit request for a password on my website https://jgashphotography.squarespace.com/contact