Whether through documentary or comedy,
I will explore the human soul; and through film , I will capture it's essence.
- Tinisha D. Brugnone -
Filmmaker | Curator Idlewild International Film Festival
The Cinematic Griot Collective is a network of filmmakers, artists, and creatives who create inspiring and unique culturally relevant works. We aim to reach beyond the surface with non-linear perspectives and creations. Traveling throughout forgotten communities, we bring to the forefront people and places that are often ignored.
Artist Statement
Inspired by daily events in my own life and culture, I often feel that as a woman who grew up in the inner city, it is rare that I find content that I can truly relate to. I think that it's not that the experiences are uncommon but more that our stories are untold.
Emerging from a city with an incomparable level of diversity, history, and plight. My stories capture the very essence of what it means to exist in a place of discord and proliferation. Whether a narrative or comedy, I will explore the human soul; and through my work, I will capture its essence.
The beauty of my writing is that it is pure and quite unadulterated. Not set to only entertain, but also, to inform. I believe it to be the most important way of journaling our past and also vital to guiding our future.
As I have matured, I have become certain that storytelling is in my DNA, and that I continue to honor my ancestors by transmitting their messages through whichever creative medium I am inspired to use.
- Tinisha D. Brugnone
Founder, Cinematic Griot Collective &
Idlewild International Film Festival
