We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashanti Sumpter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashanti, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The last semester of my freshman year at Georgia State is when I realized I wanted to pursue a professional career as a film director. I originally went to school to be an anesthesiologist. Growing up, you always hear about the career fields of a doctor, teacher or lawyer. No one really says you can make movies. My journey started with photography, though. I fell in love with my own perspective and the ability to express myself visually. As I studied the craft, it led me to writing and filming my own stories. I don’t like to talk alot so it was the perfect way for me to be heard without speaking. The film industry was expanding at a fast rate in Atlanta around this time too, so it really became clear to me that I could make a career out of it.
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?
People always ask, “Tell me about yourself, what do you do?”. I don’t mind the question but it’s very overwhelming for me to try and answer, lol. I’ve pretty much tried every role as a freelance upcoming creative in Atlanta. From photography, content creation, clothing designing to creating my own media platform. So recently, I’ve just stated my ultimate end goal to eliminate any confusion… I am a Film Director. A lot of the other roles I play, are for me to network, gain experience or a new perspective so the next time I direct a project, it’s better than my last. I believe that’s all apart of my process. Working on a realm of things can keep me inspired and not feeling stagnate. As a creative, that’s the worst feeling. I’m most proud of how I always follow through with anything I put my mind to. My first short film which I wrote and directed, “Just Say That”, was really a trial project for me. I wanted to see if I would enjoy filmmaking as much as I thought I did. Needless to say, I love it. This won’t be the last time you hear about a film or series directed by Ashanti Sumpter. I have a lot more stories to tell and I pray God continues to grant me the time to do so.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society can best support us by consuming the art. Engagement means the most from an analytical standpoint and that’s what a lot of these higher level investors, etc. are looking for when they see our stories. I’m fully aware not everyone wants to attain a certain status as a creative but for the ones who do, our full potential isn’t reached often because the culture is in the hands of people who don’t understand it. When you see a creatives’ work, like, comment and share it. Let people know it is important to us. We’ll start seeing more representation in all aspects this way.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew how helpful Facebook groups were. Every since I crossed over into adulthood, people have been screaming “networking is key” but there aren’t always social events in your field where you can go meet new people and you definitely can’t just show up to any film set. There are opportunities posted daily in some of these Facebook groups so I highly recommend joining them. I was able to find the production crew and cast for my first short film on there.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashantisumpter.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ashantixnicole/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ashanti.sumpter. 562/ - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/ashanti- sumpter-689735244 - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
ashantisumpter - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
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