We were lucky to catch up with Jowanda Durham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jowanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents raised six amazing kids. They were entrepreneurs. My dad was a barber and my mom worked beside him as a cosmetologist. My parents did everything together in love. I learned stability, leadership, and compassion from them. I also learned how to run a business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I graduated with a theater degree from The University of GA 20+ years ago. I thought my acting career would take off immediately. It did not. I did my best. I produced, wrote, and starred in local plays and shorts in my hometown, Macon Georgia. I moved to NY to study filmmaking and directing at The NY film academy. I took acting classes at Weist-Barron acting school and I studied improv at the prestigious Upright Citizen’s Brigade. I auditioned, wrote and directed short films and supported myself as a self employed fitness pro. My first big break came when I starred and directed the award winning web-series, Rhonda Mitchell M.D. We did the film festival circuit and the show landed on many independent streaming sites including Tubi. I thought the show would get picked my by a major network but Covid nearly shut down my acting and personal training careers. The world stood still but my dreams kept me alive. I moved to LA for a fresh start. I started writing again. It was magical. Then my mom passed away. I prayed, cried, and wrote everyday for 3 months. Finally, I met my future manager via an online seminar. I submitted my screenplay, Miss Alexander to four film festivals. I won the DTLA film festival, placed as a semi-finalist in The Portland Screenplay Awards and selected for the International World Film Awards. Im still waiting for news on the fourth and final submission. Im no longer consumed with my age. Im no longer waiting for the industry to affirm my talents. I believe everything happens in God’s timing. When my “big break” finally comes, Ill be prepared.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love to complete a script and/or perform in a production. Last year, I co-starred in a digital series, “Moments.” The writer and director trusted me to portray this complex character. The series has won several film festivals all over the world. My screenplay, Miss Alexander has been read and judged by strangers. Their feedback has brought me joy. Being an artist is about faith. I create without knowing the outcome. But when the outcome is well received, I can rest.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can stop putting artists of color in a box. We are well aware of our race and injustices that affect our community. But we we have the right to create anything. Please stop limiting us to one area.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jowandadurham.com
• Instagram: Jowandadurham
• Facebook: Jowandadurham
• Twitter: Jowandadurham

Image Credits
Angel Morales 1st two headshots