Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Boniface.
Ciara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Originally I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana, but I moved to Texas in 2005. I got started in filmmaking when I was around nine or ten years old. I used to always film myself skateboarding and watch a ton of skateboarding music videos. I realized I loved the process of editing and putting the videos together. This is what led me to want to become a director. I created my first short film when I was in 7th or 8th grade and just used my friends and family as the cast and crew. It was definitely a learning curve and made me want to keep making movies. I continued working on short films in high school. Also, I started to get more of an interest in writing and cinematography. In my junior year of high school, I started creating music videos. I figured it would be a great way for me to practice shooting and editing. Months later, it became a job for me and I was able to really build a clientele and network. The music video process not only helped me become a better cinematographer, but it also helped me become a better communicator and director. I continued to make music videos when I went to college in 2016. I went to the University of North Texas and majored in film. I’m really happy that I went to that school specifically, because I was able to meet and connect with some great filmmakers, that now, I call my friends. Through college, I continued to work on short films and this is where my passion really intensified.
In 2017, I directed a short film called “Dirty Money” about three girls that rob a group of rappers. I came up with the idea alongside my best friend, Mikaela Dapremont. We both worked on the script and we were really ambitious about making this thing since we had the idea for over a year already. Around March 2017, I reached out to this talented cinematographer I know, Parker Foster, who at the time was based in Los Angeles. He loved the script and the idea so much that he ended up shooting it for us. I gathered the crew and cast and we filmed in August of that year. The film went on to win awards and receive over ten film festival acceptances.
The next short film that really boosted my career was this short film titled, SKINTIGHT. It was a horror/thriller film about a young black woman that travels to a Texas town and becomes the prey of a cult. When this film released I was lucky enough to get it seen by Jordan Peele, and it’s attracted the eyes of a lot of people. The short film itself is a concept for a feature film that I aim to shoot in 2020! Both of these short films have helped me immensely and I’m grateful for the cast and crew that helped me bring them to life.
Another really cool thing that helped me become who I am today happened in spring 2018. I submitted to a contest called, “Searching for the Next Visionary Filmmaker” by Nissan and Disney Studios. It consisted of creating a two-minute video and stating what makes you unique, why you want to be a filmmaker, and what kind of stories do you want to tell. I remember immediately brainstorming and coming up with an idea for what I could do. So, I submitted the video and anxiously waited to hear back. A few weeks later, I got the call that I was the winner! I flew to Los Angeles and went to the premiere of Ava DuVernay’s “A Wrinkle in Time”. I got to meet so many great people that I’ve always looked up to, and I even received a new car and money to fund my film! This win felt surreal and it solidified how important patience is and believing in your talents/ craft. It made me realize if I keep pushing and if I keep creating, someone out there will listen.
I will never forget the short films, music videos, and huge opportunities that have brought me to where I am. This is really only the beginning, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.
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?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, there’s been a lot of bumps along the way. Especially when I first started out, I had to get people to hire me and hear me out. Once people realized I was actually pretty good, they continued to book me and tell others about my work. But, being a Black woman into cinematography is never easy. There have definitely been times where I question myself and what I do. Moments of doubt and regret when I’m not booked for something and it’s been months, or moments where someone else received a position that I was sure I got. It’s extremely tough being in this industry as a Black woman. We not only have to deal with sexism but blatant racism as well. Despite this challenge, I still try to get myself back up and keep creating content. I make sure that I don’t let it get to me to the point where I want to quit because this is what I love doing and no one is going to get in the way of that.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am known for creating music videos and short films in the Dallas area. I’m most proud of the relationships that I’ve built either through connections or simply just networking on set. It’s important to really build that network because the same people will help you out later on and you’ll be able to help them out as well.
I think what makes me unique is that I’m a Black woman doing this and I make sure that there are all sorts of people on set, and all sorts of people that I can work with. It’s important to act on diversity in your work and constantly promote other talented individuals. We’ve really all been in that uncomfortable position where you’re on set, or on a job and there is no one that looks like you. I want to make sure everyone on set feels comfortable and has that sense of relief that they are noticed and represented in some way.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite childhood memories is when I used to always go outside either riding my bike or skateboarding with my friends. It’s just a feeling of freedom and happiness, that I always try to achieve. There’s nothing like being with people you love and just enjoying life. I know that’s how I felt then, and I strive for that sense of happiness all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: ciaraboniface.com
- Email: ciaraboniface.film@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ciaraboniface
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ciaraboniface
Image Credit:
Cody Prenn
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