We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deity Mone’k a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Deity, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have worked on several projects that have inspired me and allowed me to develop as a Producer, Script Writer, and Director. Each project has expanded my knowledge of Art and improved my overall understanding of Film Production and Artist Creativity. However, there is something special about my film, “Even with it All”. In this short film, I attempted to create a relatable character, struggling with grief, parental pressure, mental health, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide; while still attempting to navigate her current reality. I wanted to create a film that is open-ended to allow for these topics to be discussed in an open forum.

To me Even With it All is more than a first film, this is my attempt to give something back to young people struggling In their current environment, when asked how things are, I commonly hear people say, “I am just Lifeing” or “Life is Lifeing”. While these phrases are funny to hear; they are somewhat meaningless. I hope when people see my short film, it encourages them to talk about things they can identify with; and not be limited to vague responses; but meaningful conversations that will provoke change and ultimately healing for their situation.

Deity, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is DEITY!

For years, I have heard stories from my family regarding the origin of my name and its meaning. I grew up with grandparents that provided me with the rich cultures from Haiti, Bahamas, and the United States. They all were story tellers. My grandparents would talk about being young and the sacrifices they made to come to the United States. My grandfather, would speak of his struggles with being black, living with siblings instead of his parents, and growing up and becoming a family man. My parents also shared stories from their childhood experiences and adult reality. I was surrounded by stories from great story tellers. Some of the stories made me upset and sparked my desire to be a social activist and try to right the wrong down to my grandparents. Others made me want to create stories to empower woman to own their truth and recognize their importance to society. While other stories, just made me want to create stories that will make people laugh and forget all of their worries.

Despite the various stories I was told throughout my upbringing the stories that my family frequently discussed were the stories about my name. My name means Goddess. Stories about my name appears in books, television shows, and represent how woman should be treated in my opinion. I would like to create stories about powerful, wise, and adventurous women that created their own story and as a result, was able to display their vulnerability, their passion, their creativity, and their personal perfection.

The people around me taught me the importance of storytelling and sharing your story with others. Perhaps, like them, I will leave a legacy of empowering others around me to share their passion and story with others.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the freedom that comes from creating. Though that sounds very cliche, it’s just that simple. I believe we all are extremely talented; we all are innovative and can create anything we put our minds too but what usually ends up happening is outside influences, life and pressure from oneself leads most people to give up before their idea takes off. I love to create whether it’s a project that 5 people see or 5 thousand people see. I love to create things that allow me to express myself and expand my view of things. I just love the freedom that comes from creating and allowing what is on the inside to be displayed freely on the outside. There is nothing like seeing your vision on a canvas, on a monitor, or on the big screen. True Creativity = True Freedom!

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.

I truly believe we all are creative. There is no non-creatives; there are just people who have chosen to walk away from their art or have not pushed their creative envelope. I think people that have stopped creating for whatever reason, don’t really appreciate how valuable their work is and how it can be impactful to others. We all have something to give. There is someone out there that will benefit from what we create.  Your art doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be something you feel passionate about. I think we sometimes give up on ourselves because we compare our work to others.  Honestly, while I value others’ work and creativity; I don’t allow it to define my work.  Their work is a starting point or perhaps a motivation, but never is someone else creation my stopping point or comparison.  What others must understand about me is being creative is not a struggle, it is a release and I truly wish everyone had the opportunity of releasing their creativity just like I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deitymonek.com
• Instagram: Deityfilmz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeityFilmz

Image Credits

Photographer: Barbara Ximena