Today we’d like to introduce you to Menu’Ette Silver.
Menu’Ette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for storytelling developed at a young age because of my mother and father’s love. Being an only child led to creative and strategic manufacture of ‘Home Alone’ styled – booby traps I placed for my father. I would wait by the window for him to come home from work, watch him fall for my oddly successful traps, and jump out. Together we would laugh and laugh.
At the age of fourteen, my parents divorced. My dad left my hometown of Baltimore to return to his in Washington D.C. While I no longer executed strategic traps, my daddy and I developed something we began to call our “World Wide Adventure”. These adventures would consist of a trip to Barnes and Nobles to read a book and eat a Double chocolate chip muffin, and then we would travel to Lowes Theaters. After the film, we would talk about how the movie made us feel. Little did I know, a few years later that I would want to create films for other fathers and their baby girls and baby boys to enjoy and connect with each other. We live in a world where we need hope and something to believe in to truly experience the fullness of life. I believe growth and unity amongst communities begin with education and inspiration; these are elements I create in my work of art.
I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, but as far as pursuing a career in filmmaking, that interest developed in college. So I applied to the University of Southern California’s film program right after undergrad, got in, and now I’m about to graduate. It’s very exciting.
Great, 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?
Absolutely not. Haha… When I first visited LA four years ago, I knew this was the place God would send me. But what I didn’t realize was how far it would actually feel. I’m incredibly close to my family and I have a huge support system in Baltimore. I think learning how to cope with being far away has been the hardest part. As far as working in the industry, I’m still working on that but I know all will work itself out.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I believe it takes courage, an inner tug that urges one to try to do something even when told by others that they can’t. As a black woman and member of an underrepresented community, I strive to promote positivity and the idea of being courageous even with limitation seem to present itself.
I love thrillers and comedies. I tend to draw towards stories where I can explore mental health, trauma and healing, and womanhood.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think my stick-to-itiveness is what has gotten me this far. My parents instilled in me at a young age that if I wanted something I had to go for it. I also go by “vision > circumstance”, meaning wherever I’m going is greater than where I am. I trust in God with all of my heart!
Contact Info:
- Website: menuettesilver.com
- Instagram: menuette.silver
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