Conversations with Shania Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shania Kelly.

Shania, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for film started early, movies were always my escape from reality. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. My first goal was to become an actress, I still want to act but most of my joy comes from working behind the camera. I received my BA in Communications, where I studied Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Radio, TV, and Film Production. It was during this time that I saw myself as a Director and Writer, whether that be in Television or Film. Now I can’t see myself as anything else.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but a smooth road for me but if it was easy then everyone would do it, right? As a Black Woman, I believe my biggest struggles are continuing to overcome adversities. I’m six of seven children, raised in Newark, NJ by a working-class single mother. Being a first-generation college graduate was more than enough pressure. Also coming from a place that is often seen as a “ghetto” I always find myself having to prove myself before I ever walk into a room. My main challenge has been not letting adversities limit me and the goals I strive to achieve. Not only I have already done far more than what may have been expected of me, but I’m just getting started and I plan to do more.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Director and Writer, “Nay THEE Director” is my name, and telling black stories is my game. My short film “Strong Black Woman” is currently in post-production, getting ready for my first film festival run. When I’m not directing a production, I’m usually 1st or 2nd Assistant Director. I really enjoy being in charge and making sure everything is getting done. Being a part of a production and working with so many talented people is always a joy to me.

My goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories that have black people and culture both behind and in front of the camera. I’m so tired of seeing black people being displayed the same way. There are so many different stories to be told and I want to be one of the creatives making it happen. I want black people to be in genres like Sci-Fi, Romcom, and Fantasy. We’re in a time where these stories are happening more thanks to creators like Jordan Peele and Issa Rae but it’s still not enough for me. I want more and I want to be a part of creating it.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success is best defined as your willingness to learn. I believe the more you’re willing to learn, the harder you’ll work. I’m a student first, any way I can learn and improve my skills to be able to make these films, I’ll do it. Growth as a person and a creative is the best thing you can do because you’ll only get better. Being open and able to constructive criticism and accepting the fact that you don’t know everything can only lead to success. No one gets to the top without help.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_naybeauty/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shania-kelly/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24229120/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Pranav Mehta, Yukiko Cho, Carmen Nathalie, Alexa Selca