Stepping Into Truth: Conversations on Race, Gender, and Social Justice

 Talking about "She Speaks" an homage to black women with filmmaker Don Estill

Season 2 Episode 14

Don Estill

In this beautiful and moving conversation filmmaker Don Estill talks about why he was compelled to make this documentary. He speaks of the women who inspired him directly and talks about the multitude of ways that Black women are amazing.

The voices of Black Women  are often misunderstood and overlooked. She Speaks shines a light on the depth and richness of these voices and showcases how and why Black Women are the future.

This is an interview that moved me deeply. I hope you feel the same.

NOTE: Don is currently in talks to secure the rest of the financing for She Speaks so there are no clips currently available. I’ll keep you posted on his progress with getting this important film made.

Originally from New York City and raised in Kansas City Mo. Don Estill left home at 16 to work as a model.  His career took him to Europe and South Africa. Eventually settling in New York he continued working as a model and actor.

In 2008 he moved to LA where, in addition to his acting, he also started working as a private chef. That would eventually lead him to producing. One of his clients was the late Allison Shearmur, former head of Paramount Studios. She was the producer of American Pie, The Jason Bourne franchise and the stand alone Star Wars movies. And she was one of the first to encourage him to follow his dreams of producing film.

That encouragement led him to creating the film She Speaks. Wanting his first production to be something that he was passionate about, She Speaks was the obvious choice of subject.

Resources:

Written Transcript:

If you want to share this episode with a hearing impaired person (or just want to read it) here’s the link.

Credits:

Harmonica music courtesy of a friend