Today we’d like to introduce you to Dimond RéYon.
Hi Dimond, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In the spring of 2017, I made a pivotal decision to leave Sports Broadcasting behind and pursue film and visual arts instead. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how profound my love for cinema and art would become. Over the next five semesters, I immersed myself in film studies, spending countless hours analyzing movies frame by frame, exploring the nuanced elements that often go unnoticed by casual viewers.
When COVID-19 emerged in May 2020, I faced a crossroads: pursue an MFA in Set Design or relocate to Houston. I chose Houston, determined to navigate my path through such uncertain times. Needing financial stability, I began teaching middle school mathematics. While it wasn’t my passion, I committed to it for the security it provided.
From 2020 to 2024, I continued deepening my knowledge of cinema and art while seizing every opportunity to create in ways that felt authentic to me. In 2021, I took a leap of faith and launched a YouTube channel dedicated to cinema education, introducing viewers to aspects of film they might never have considered.
It wasn’t until early 2025 that my calling crystallized: educating others about cinema. That realization led me to launch “The & Chill Podcast,” a show designed to feel like FaceTiming with your film-obsessed best friend, where we dive deep into the art form we love
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?
No, it has not been smooth. Like many others, I found that COVID-19 triggered a cascade of failures, compounded by personal struggles I was facing at the time. Losing my grandmother on Thanksgiving 2020, trying to sustain an unhealthy relationship, working a job that left me miserable: I felt as though every factor was working against me. When I initially launched my YouTube channel, I didn’t feel supported by those closest to me. My content is highly niche, and sometimes people prefer quick summaries over in-depth analysis. However, I don’t think it’s fair to give so much power to external factors. Looking back, I realize I could have navigated these challenges differently instead of allowing them to carry such weight in my life. Hindsight offers clarity, but I’m a firm believer that everything, good or bad, happens for a reason. It took me a long time to accept that my audience might be strangers, and that’s okay. The years from 2020 to 2025 passed in a blink, and I did myself a disservice by making excuses instead of hitting the ground running.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the host of “The & Chill Podcast,” a visual podcast where I dive deep into film, television, and music. Each episode explores a specific topic, and I share my perspective backed by extensive research. Accuracy matters deeply to me. Even though I’m sharing my opinions, I refuse to misquote sources, spread misinformation, or present inaccurate details. My background in broadcasting informs my approach, and I bring those production elements into every episode to create a polished, engaging viewing experience.
What I specialize in is making complex cinematic concepts accessible and compelling. I break down elements like cinematography, sound design, narrative structure, and visual storytelling in ways that resonate with both casual viewers and devoted film enthusiasts. I also explore genres, analyze streaming services and their impact on the industry, and tackle hot topics related to cinema, television, and music. I’m known for going beyond surface-level reviews to explore the craft and artistry behind what we watch.
What sets me apart is representation. For years, I searched for a Black woman-led cinema podcast and found very few options. I’m incredibly proud to fill that gap. Creating a space where someone who looks like me discusses film theory, analysis, and cinematic technique feels revolutionary in its own right. I’m not just talking about movies; I’m bringing visibility to a conversation that Black women have largely been absent from in the public sphere. My work proves that we belong in these discussions, and I’m honored to educate viewers while expanding the landscape of who gets to be a voice in cinema criticism and education.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m moving to Los Angeles in a few weeks to pursue an MFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Burbank. This has been a long time coming, but with prayer and patience comes clarity. The program is two years long, and during that time I plan to continue my podcast while expanding it into something even bigger.
Post-graduation, my goal is to become a producer across multiple platforms: movies, television shows, talk shows, and beyond. I want to become as well-rounded in filmmaking as possible, gaining a deep understanding of every department so I can help get original stories made and sold. I believe that comprehensive knowledge allows me to collaborate more effectively and champion projects that deserve to be seen.
Beyond my own career, I have a vision for lasting impact. Eventually, I want to open community centers in low-income areas that provide free afterschool care focused on visual arts. These centers would expose young minority children to resources and opportunities in film, television, and media without financial barriers. Access shouldn’t be determined by zip code or income, and I want to create pathways for the next generation of storytellers.
My ultimate aspiration is to become a household name in cinema and a trailblazer in cinematic education. I want to inspire others to pursue their own dreams in film, proving that there’s room for all of us at the table, even if I have to bring in more tables to make room.
The work I’m doing now is just the beginning of a much larger mission.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandchillpod/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndChillPod
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/dicember.finest/
