Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoë Ferrand-Rodgers.
Hi Zoë, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like most people, our story began with the love and emotion of two people prior to a time of our own recollection. My first conscious memory however utilized all my senses. The roaring of a saxophone frolicked by my Uncle Charles and laughter from those around me in which the presence of both pain and joy resided, they seemed to laugh away their pain. I suddenly tasted a distinct taste of sweetness, spice, and citrus, it was my first experience with crawfish. A flavor native to my hometown of New Orleans. Everything in the crescent city is an anachronism apart from its inhabitants, the food, culture, and architecture all tell a story of love, passion, and hope. It is here that I learned we all have a story to be told, irrespective of the time in which we lived, we all become storytellers in our own right.
You have to understand this notion plagued me as I thought I was the only individual who embraced it. It was not until I found my thoughts and ideas to be shared by many like-minded people at my community theater, It was here my admiration for the arts was concretized. I knew there was more to be understood so I set out to find a university to further my understanding. My search yielded the University of Central Arkansas, in which I studied both Theatre and Film as I was a double major. Though majestic and meaningful, the arts create a sort of Socratic environment as the intention is to be in constant search for a deeper understanding. It was abreast, the cinematographer I found solace. I was to direct films that had a deeper meaning in which onlookers would find solace, discontent, or admiration after the viewing. Whatever the consequential emotion, they themselves would be the owners of, but I wanted to deliver the message that I was certain of.
Cliché, as it may be, I moved to Los Angeles, I thought if there was anywhere to start, here was the place. It is here, in which I reside and that I am writing this. As I gaze upon my future as if it were a trail to a mountaintop, I restrain my desire to rush to the peak for fear that I might miss the flowers along the way. The trail presents many life challenges, which has inevitably brought me closer to God. I feel it is my responsibility, but not solely, to help society to move forward through film. Challenging as it may be, I feel the hand of God guiding me, which too brings me solace.
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?
I turn my head to God when asked what challenges I faced and have overcome. We all have challenges; as a Christian, I’m taught to count my challenges as pure joy James 1:2-4. There are times when the storm clouds of life linger, and there are times when the sun shines brighter. I know that any trial I face is an opportunity to rely on God, becoming closer to him. The world may see a challenge, but I know there is a blessing in the storm.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art represents my mind, views of the world, and upbringing. My goal is to use storytelling as another form of communication. Doing so gives us tools to express ourselves and have a better understanding. I classify my films as thought-provoking dramas. What good does it do if we don’t reevaluate ourselves after watching a film? Questing our motives and objectives are ways to understand our “why’s” in life. My films leave a lasting impression because they make you ask yourself, “What would I have done?”
My latest directorial project is Paint my thesis. The film Paint is a truly inspirational story of war and unity. The year is 1990, on the heels of Nancy Regan’s “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign. Darius Brown (20) and Rick Adams (34) have three weeks until their prison release. They are assigned to prison labor in the Compton area, and Officer PJ (64) has instructed them to paint a painting for the campaign. Tension is high due to Rick being a proud member of the KKK. As the painting progresses, Darius makes a mistake that costs him his life.
While directing Paint, I learned many lessons. The most important lesson is it is possible to change the world with one script, one shot, and one film at a time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _Zoefrodgers
