Meet the Shreveport filmmakers presenting at the second annual StorytellHERS event at RFC

Meredith G. White, Shreveport Times
·3 min read

The Robinson Film Center will be hosting the second annual StorytellHERS event on Thursday, April 13 that celebrates some of Shreveport's female filmmakers.

This one-night-only showcase gives viewers a front-row look at some of the stories created by women, for women that are all curated by filmmaker Kristi J. Woodard.

"I wanted to do an event like this because I felt like female filmmakers were underappreciated overall in our industry and I wanted to show some appreciation to ones in our area," explained Woodard. "I wanted to create a space where fellow female filmmakers could share our stories both on and off the screen."

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Christine Chen

Christine Chen, a Shreveport resident, is the director of films including "Not Your Ordinary Hero."
Christine Chen, a Shreveport resident, is the director of films including "Not Your Ordinary Hero."

Christine Chen is an Academy-qualified film producer, director and author. Her love of film began when she first got her hands on an early addition VHS camcorder in 1993 and a fun hobby turned into a life-long passion.

Chen has a B.A. from Rice University and an MBA from the University of Texas McCombs. Some of her films have been showcased at festivals like Hollyshorts, New Orleans Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival.

Camille Gladney

"The Cut" directed by Camille Gladney will compete at the 2022 Louisiana Film Prize.
"The Cut" directed by Camille Gladney will compete at the 2022 Louisiana Film Prize.

Camille Gladney has worked as a literary editor, screenwriter, director, songwriter, portrait artist and more. Their history with the performing arts serves their ability to produce highly engaging works of narrative fiction across multiple mediums.

Gladney graduated with a B.A. from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College. Gladney is devoted to promoting new visions which are ethically and philosophically enriching and hopes to champion entertainment that rejects mindlessness and improves worldwide well-being.

Debi King McMartin

Debi King McMartin speaks to the audience during the StorytellHERS event, Thursday, March 31, at The Robinson Film Center which celebrated Shreveport's female filmmakers.Ê
Debi King McMartin speaks to the audience during the StorytellHERS event, Thursday, March 31, at The Robinson Film Center which celebrated Shreveport's female filmmakers.Ê

Debi King McMartin is a published and independent film producer who has co-written, produced and directed five short films that have gone on to compete at film festivals.

McMartin's 2019 short film "Hold That Order" won several awards during its film circuit while her 2021 short film "Pepper and Cinnamon" has received 22 laurels during its festival circuit. Her most recent short film "Second Line Groove" is currently making its rounds and has already won 41 laurels and several awards.

Jaya McSharma

Jaya McSharma speaks to the audience during the StorytellHERS event, Thursday, March 31, at The Robinson Film Center.
Jaya McSharma speaks to the audience during the StorytellHERS event, Thursday, March 31, at The Robinson Film Center.

Jaya McSharma is a filmmaker, actress, doctor and mother who is passionate about creating positive content and social impact. McSharma and her husband are co-founders of McSharma Productions which does everything from producing their own films to creating content like web series, comedic skits and more.

McSharma was born and raised in Alexandria, LA and has made Shreveport her home since attending medical school there. While she is still a practicing MD, McSharma made following her creative dreams her full-time job in 2018.

Tanesha Morris

Tanesha Morris is a filmmaker in Shreveport, Louisiana who will be showcasing her latest short film at the Robinson Film Center's "StorytellHERS" event on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Tanesha Morris is a filmmaker in Shreveport, Louisiana who will be showcasing her latest short film at the Robinson Film Center's "StorytellHERS" event on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Tanesha Morris is a writer and director who has a mission to elevate the work of Black filmmakers in Shreveport with the creation of the Shreveport Urban Film Festival.

Morris' background in film after graduating from Bossier Parish Community College and Full Sail University has allowed her to grow in her craft and continue to make a space for herself and others like her.

"We face adversity often," Woodard continued. "I believe creating a safe space for female filmmakers, where they can see, hear, support and be inspired by other women is crucial to us continuing to thrive in an industry where we often don't get the opportunity."

StorytellHERS will take place at the Robinson Film Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Visit the RFC website to purchase tickets.

Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: RFC showcasing Shreveport's female filmmakers at second annual event