Private Project

Common Characters

After overcoming a series of life-altering events - including an addiction to crystal meth, an HIV diagnosis and death of his mother - WILLIE THE GENIUS, an afroqueer performance artist, decides to put his life on stage in a gripping solo theatre play. While developing his theatre production, a film crew documents his process, as he explores the often uncomfortable territory of his own liberation and self realization in a manner that is both raw and unfiltered.

  • Lisa Janae
    Director
  • Pamela Largaespada
    Producer
  • Trevania Layne
    Producer
  • WILLIE the GENIUS
    Key Cast
  • Lisa Janae
    Editor
  • Santos Frenkel
    Editor
  • Christopher Walker
    Editor
  • Emmolei Sankofa
    Music Score
  • Mauricio Escamilla
    Sound Design
  • Pamela Chavez
    Graphic Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 4, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Lisa Janae

Lisa Janae is a director, cinematographer, actor and editor from Los Angeles, CA. Lisa moves with intention and is drawn to create art centered in the black, LGBT+ cultural experience especially work that seeks to ground, connect and inspire. She is a SONY Alpha Female+ grantee, and her work has been featured in TedED, AfroPunk, The Los Angeles Herald and other outlets.

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