We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharik Atkinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharik, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission is to tell stories that center queer and BIPOC voices in ways that feel authentic, layered, and emotionally rich. Growing up, I rarely saw myself reflected on screen outside of narratives rooted in suffering or survival. I want to change that by creating films that celebrate the complexities of our experiences (our love, joy, and relationships) without centering our pain.

This mission is meaningful because representation shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us. When queer and BIPOC characters are fully realized, not just as side characters or trauma narratives, it expands possibilities for audiences. It affirms that our stories are worth telling in all their depth, humor, and contradictions. Through my work, I hope to challenge mainstream narratives and build a film landscape where queer and BIPOC creators are leading the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Sharik Atkinson (she/they), a film director passionate about impactful storytelling that highlights queer and BIPOC narratives. As a lesbian who immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica at a young age, my work is deeply personal and driven by a desire to bring authentic, nuanced stories to the screen.

My directorial debut, BODEGA (2024), is a psychodrama that explores the complexities of lesbian relationships beyond the typical “coming out” narrative. The film resonated widely, going viral on YouTube and garnering 140,000 views in just one month.

Recently, I’ve directed a spec commercial for Urban Outfitters, the Black lesbian web series We Kissed Once, a TV pilot inspired by The L Word titled Man Hating Lesbians, and two short films, Happy Enough and Echoes of Us. I also directed a spec commercial for Carolina Herrera.

Beyond filmmaking, I founded Saphlicks, a community organization that hosts queer filmmaking mixers and screenings. My goal is to create spaces where underrepresented voices in the industry can connect, collaborate, and thrive.

In addition to producing my own work, I’ve contributed to major productions, including NBCU’s Genie, Law & Order: SVU, and Netflix’s Manifest, as well as commercials for brands like Footlocker, Apple, and Google.

I currently live in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, close to my family, and remain dedicated to telling stories that challenge, inspire, and resonate.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is for young people who look like me and love like me to see themselves fully reflected on screen—not as side characters, stereotypes, or afterthoughts, but as complex, multidimensional protagonists. Growing up, I rarely saw stories that captured the depth of queer and BIPOC experiences beyond narratives of struggle or survival. I want to change that by creating films where we exist in all our fullness—where we fall in love, make mistakes, chase dreams, and navigate life’s nuances just like anyone else. Representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about affirming our existence, expanding possibilities, and reshaping the way we see ourselves and each other.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My production company, The Content House, originally started as a creative studio in Industry City, providing underrepresented content creators with a space to learn and collaborate. In 2023, we had to close our doors due to funding, leaving me searching for a new home for The Content House. It wasn’t until mid-2024 that I reimagined my vision, shifting the focus toward creating my own films after spending four years working in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sharikgeneve.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sharikgeneve
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sharikgeneve

Image Credits
Ashley Hernandez, professional photos in front of the blue background and the auditorium shot