Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angelo Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angelo, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Every project I’ve worked on has been meaningful to me, but my second feature film, “DeRosa: Life, Love & Art in Transition,” was very special and personal. It’s a documentary that paints an honest—and timely—picture of the transgender experience, told through the eyes of Felicia DeRosa, an incredible person who happens to be a good friend of mine. Felicia and her wife, Gwen, who also features prominently in the film, trusted me to facilitate this opportunity to tell their story. Felicia and Gwen are extraordinary women and making this film was the most fitting way I could pay tribute to them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker—there was never a “plan B” as far as I was concerned. I remember watching “The Wizard of Oz” when I was really young and marveling at the filmmaking. I would watch certain scenes over and over, trying to figure out how, for example, Dorothy stepped into technicolor. I knew I wanted to be part of that. I went to film school, where I found community, and most importantly, found my voice as a filmmaker. I became the first student there in more than 40 years to make a feature film as my senior thesis. The end product is far from perfect, but the experience of making it is still the highlight of my life so far.

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

In every facet of my career, I want to tell stories that move, entertain, and inspire. I want to make films that give a voice to people who are often silenced or sidelined. I want my films to build bridges across political and ideological divides and to help people build empathy and expand their worldviews. Maybe it’s egotistical of me to think my work matters that much, but I have to believe I can make a difference, even if just for a handful of people.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives probably wouldn’t understand why I’m willing to spend money on projects that are unlikely to make money. I made a short film, for example, that cost about $8,000 to make. I was fortunate to receive a grant to cover festival fees later on, but everything else I paid for myself. Obviously it’s great when you can make money from your work, but that is never my motivation for making something. I have a full-time job that pays the bills and brings in enough money to help fund occasional creative endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelothomas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imangelothomas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imangelothomas/