We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shamar Binns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shamar below.

Shamar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up, I was always known for my explosive personality and boundless energy. My imagination ran wild, constantly transporting me to different worlds and stories, where I often pictured myself as the hero in fantasy settings. One of my favorite childhood memories is of my twin sister and me putting on stage plays for our mother, where we would method act and bring those imaginary worlds to life. It was pure fun, and those moments fueled my passion for storytelling.

As I entered high school, I found an outlet for that creativity in a TV Production class. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of video editing and screenplay writing, which gave my chaotic imagination the structure it needed. I immediately fell in love with the process—crafting stories from scratch and seeing my ideas come to life was exhilarating. I ended up taking the class for three years and also pursued AP Photography, which further honed my skills in cinematography. Despite my growing passion for film, I was still uncertain about my future. College seemed like a distant concept, something I wasn’t sure I wanted.

That changed when my mom insisted I attend a college visit. Reluctantly, I went, and everything clicked when I set foot on the campus of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The moment I saw the film studios and the professional-grade equipment, I knew this was where I belonged. It felt like all the stories and visions I had carried with me for years finally had a place to be realized.

In the fall of 2019, I began my journey at the University of the Arts, where I spent four incredible years honing my craft. I focused on creating meaningful stories centered on culture and identity, pushing myself to explore themes that resonated deeply with me. My work even earned recognition in film festivals, marking a milestone in my evolution as a filmmaker.

Looking back, it’s clear that every experience—from childhood playacting to discovering my passion in high school—prepared me for this path. Storytelling has always been a part of me, and now, I’m ready to make my mark on the world.

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 am Shamar Binns, an Afro-Caribbean filmmaker born and raised in America, with strong Jamaican roots. I’ve always been committed to crafting captivating and thought-provoking stories that explore the diverse narratives within the Black and Caribbean communities. After earning my filmmaking degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, I honed my passion and skills, using film as a medium to highlight the richness of culture, identity, and experiences in these vibrant communities. Through my work, I aim to offer audiences an engaging, insightful journey, using storytelling as a vehicle for cultural expression.

My journey into filmmaking took a big step forward when I founded my own LLC, Vibez Central Media. This platform allowed me to work with a variety of artists and expand my creative horizons. The idea for Vibez Central Media actually stemmed from my experience running a YouTube channel since I was 15, which connected me with different artists and even led to collaborations with other companies. The channel helped me build a fandom that shared my love for anime and also gave people the chance to see my broader work beyond the anime content.

In addition to running Vibez Central Media, I’m also the creative advisor for Lucid Village Productions. This role has been particularly special because it’s the first time I’ve felt truly welcomed as part of a film team. Working hand-in-hand with a talented group of creatives, I’ve been able to help produce vibrant media and film projects that resonate deeply with our audiences.

Through these ventures, I continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, striving to create work that reflects the richness of the cultures and communities I represent. For me, filmmaking isn’t just a career—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and celebrate the stories that matter.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal as a filmmaker is to create stories that not only push the boundaries of imagination but also celebrate and showcase the richness of Caribbean culture. I want my family and all Caribbean people to have characters they can look up to—whether it’s a Caribbean superhero or, for my little sister, a Caribbean princess to admire as she grows up. Representation is key, and I aim to bring those stories to life.

I also want to help expand the film industry in places where access to resources and opportunities is limited, particularly in Black and Caribbean communities. My first step is to craft stories that center around Caribbean identity, blending elements of fiction and fantasy that resonate with these cultures. Beyond that, I hope to build a new wave of filmmaking—one that empowers people from underrepresented communities, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to tell their own stories, regardless of the resources they currently have access to.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Honestly, attending a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) for college made me feel like I didn’t get the kind of support I needed to create the stories I wanted to tell. While I don’t regret going there—it gave me the opportunity to learn different formats of film and grow technically—I struggled with the sense of community, especially when working on my senior thesis. Most of the people involved were outside of my major, and I didn’t feel the collaborative, unified energy I had hoped for on set.

It wasn’t until I joined Lucid Village Productions that I truly felt like I had a purpose within a filmmaking team. For the first time, I was part of a group that understood my vision and shared my passion for storytelling. It was a pivotal experience, one where I felt seen and supported in a way I hadn’t before.

Looking back, I just wish I had found more people who looked like me or understood the message I was trying to convey through my art during my time in college. Finding that sense of community is something I know would have made a big difference, and it’s something I’m determined to help create for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vibezcentral.wixsite.com/my-site?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2k8quUq5_xnAvY5PZeut7LdBQjY7x7lInWMIq46EHyg4T8VrVvCHLanw_aem_KbF4trDErUUOCn7sJfchmA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamar_vibez?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vibezgx?_t=8pYxdhgT81f&_r=1Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7C5vgJWRoUZ1x9dHDy211S?si=CGjeYmfYTnav3_6lrHvAng

Image Credits

Brianna Mottey
Black Year Book LA