The Emotional Impact of Seeing My Creative Work in a Nike Ad

While waiting for a flight at Denver's airport, something caught my eye on Instagram. It was a Nike ad starring Malia Obama and basketball icon A'ja Wilson.

Initially bewildered, I questioned the authenticity of what I saw. The ad mirrored a scene from my own 14-minute film, 'Grace,' which tells a deeply personal story of a girl undergoing a baptism while exploring feelings for her closest friend.

I had the chance to meet Malia at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, where both her project 'The Heart' and my film were showcased. We crossed paths at various director gatherings.

Feeling let down was inevitable, not only for my own sake but for my team's effort as well. My friends shared my sentiments and even compiled an image comparison, highlighting our shared observations.

Although some struggle to grasp my dismay by stating, 'You didn't create pat-a-cake,' the essence of my issue lies in how these visual scenes were artfully captured and presented.

Tehillah De Castro, my cinematographer, highlighted notable resemblances from camera angles to color schemes, reflecting a shared artistic approach.

Over time, I've transitioned from shock to a broader discontent with how often situations like these occur, and the critical need for change.

A Struggle for Independent Creators

The bigger issue reveals itself as brands often favor those with established fame, overshadowing novel creative potential. If they wanted scenes like mine, why not enlist me as the director?

For filmmakers once like Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, the pathways carved out no longer seem accessible. If the emerging talents are ignored, how will future storytellers thrive?

Journey from Early Aspirations to Present Challenges

Even from a young age, I aspired to direct films.

I began by documenting stories in high school related to social justice, particularly during the Black Lives Matter era. My work often highlights the happiness found in coming-of-age tales and the narratives of Black women and queer individuals, topics close to my heart.

Despite earning my degree at NYU during the chaotic pandemic year of 2020, I've had noticeable achievements. My thesis film, 'Pure,' was acquired by HBO and earned the Directors Guild of America Student Film Award. I've also succeeded in commercial pursuits, directing spots for major companies like Hyundai and Verizon.

Attending Sundance in 2024 was just one highlight. 'Grace' received a Vimeo Staff Pick and is set to appear on Criterion.

Nevertheless, financial challenges persist. Film festivals boost visibility, yet lack monetary compensation, pushing me to take additional jobs to sustain myself.

Currently, my focus is on my debut feature film, a project that has consumed years of writing and pitching efforts.

Frequent encounters with skepticism from production entities highlight how my youth and lesser-known status inhibit their willingness to invest first.

Seeking Recognition and Acknowledgment

There has been no word from Malia Obama or Nike, but an acknowledgment would mean a great deal.

I hesitated to voice concerns due to Malia's public status and Nike's esteemed brand. Critiquing something WNBA-related also felt personal due to its limited exposure, yet my work holds too much personal significance to remain silent.

The perception that filmmaking is purely a leisure activity of the affluent is a notion I resist. It should be viable as a real career.

My friendships and professional network are sources of hope and resilience. Many stories are still left for me to tell, and one day, I aim to become a recognized name in this industry.