Experiencing Interruptions?

Who Told You?

Tamra Cosby, a poet from South Side Jamaica, Queens, and a current resident of Astoria Houses, uses her art to challenge stigmas surrounding residents of public housing. In this powerful audio story, Tamra speaks candidly about her upbringing, the impact of gun violence, and the effects of gentrification while highlighting poetry as a tool for healing and community empowerment. As the From Roots to Arts artist-in-residence at Astoria Houses, she is actively creating spaces for dialogue, self-expression, and change. Through her words, she reshapes the narrative of public housing residents, proving that art has the power to transform lives and communities.

  • Kemi Karim
    Director
  • Tamra Cosby
    Writer
  • Kemi Karim
    Producer
  • Public Housing Community Fund
    Producer
  • Tamra Cosby
    Key Cast
  • Kemi Karim
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Other
  • Genres:
    Narrative
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 4, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    5D Mark iii, DJI Mic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1920 × 1080
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Kemi Karim

Kemi “TRUTHIS” Karim is an interdisciplinary artist, community organizer, and founder of TRUTHIS Studios, a Brooklyn-based creative collective. Grounded in themes of shared spaces and belonging, Karim’s work delves into identity, womanhood, and the lived experiences that shape and define communities. Her practice centers on how individuals represent themselves, uplift one another, and celebrate cultural pride and resilience despite systemic barriers.

Using medium-format digital and film photography, filmmaking, and digital design, Karim captures both individual and collective narratives, fostering spaces for deep conversation, healing, and perspective shifts. Her work is dedicated to education, empowerment, and storytelling that challenges stereotypes while honoring the beauty and complexity of her subjects. She is best known for A GREAT DAY IN BROOKLYN, an acclaimed annual festival celebrating arts and culture in the borough.

Karim currently serves as the Senior Manager of Art & Culture at the Public Housing Community Fund, where she spearheads initiatives that bring transformative arts programming to NYCHA communities. She holds a BA in Public Relations from Howard University.

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