A JOURNEY IN LIFE AND IN ART: CHISOM CHIEKE ON MAKING HER FILM AND EMERGING AS A FILMMAKER
Interview by David Rocchio
David Rocchio [DR]: Would you tell us a bit about your project AFRICAN | AMERICAN, which is now supported by BlackStar and fiscally sponsored by Stowe?
Chisom Chieke [CC]: My film, African | American, is a romantic comedy that explores the beauty, challenges, and resilience of Black love across the diaspora. This story follows Adanma Eze and her boyfriend, Trey Williams, a couple navigating the challenges of their relationship while balancing personal ambitions and family pressures. I began writing the feature script for African | American in 2018 and have been in development ever since. Along the way, I’ve met great mentors, peers, actors, and producers who have taken an interest in the project and supported me throughout the journey.
DR: You joined us at the 2023 Sidewalk Narrative Lab. How do you think that experience helped support you with the BlackStar Fellowship?
CC: During the 2023 Sidewalk Narrative Lab, I workshopped the feature script for African | American. I came into the lab not knowing what to expect but quickly realized how supportive the experience would be for my growth as a writer and my overall creative process. I focused on learning how to best pitch my work. Through conversations and feedback with mentors and peers, I decided it was worth switching gears a bit and exploring writing/shooting a proof of concept for African | American. I had already attached some great actors to the project, and I realized this would be the best way to enter pitch meetings with confidence in my ability to direct the feature film.
After the lab, I began looking into grants and opportunities to shoot the short film. In 2024, numerous filmmakers in Philadelphia asked if I would be open to producing their short films if they were selected for BlackStar’s Philadelphia Filmmaker’s Lab. I decided to apply with my own short film version of African | American, expressing my desire to transition from producing to finally directing this special story of mine. I was ecstatic to learn that I had been selected and could finally begin my journey of bringing my script to screen. However, the producer in me knew I would still need to fundraise to tell the story most authentically. I applied to Stowe Story Labs for fiscal sponsorship. It was a smooth and quick process, and once I was approved, I began my fundraising journey—allowing us the opportunity and potential to finish the project as I have always envisioned it!
Cast and Crew Photo from the shoot for African | American
DR: Where are you in the process with AFRICAN | AMERICAN and how can people watch or support the project?
CC: I’m happy to share that we are currently in post-production—still fundraising but moving through a fine cut of the film and preparing for its premiere at BlackStar in August! I would love for folks to continue supporting us on this journey by considering a donation to the project or sharing it with those who might be interested in supporting. Please check out our fiscal sponsorship fundraising page.
DR: Do you have more work in the plans, and if so what are you working on?
CC: Besides wrapping up post-production on my film and freelance producing in Philadelphia, I am also completing a fellowship with SuperSpecial that focuses on fantasy writing! I’m learning more about the publishing industry as I continue my journey in film and TV writing, producing, and directing!
DR: Thank you for the time and best of luck with all of your work, Chisom.
Learn more about Chisom’s project and donate here.
Chisom Chieke
Chisom Chieke is a multimedia artist and second-generation storyteller with a lifelong passion for narrative. She writes, directs, and produces work that examines the past, present, and future of radical love, acceptance, and growth across diasporic communities.
Chisom is particularly drawn to exploring intergenerational stories that link our past to our futures. Her creative writing process is deeply inspired by creating art, spending time in nature, and collaborating with other creatives who remind her of the vital role of storytelling.
Interview by David Rocchio, Stowe Founder & Director
David Rocchio
David Rocchio is an attorney, writer, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker. David conceived and co-produced with James Rogan The Gun Shop, an Emmy-nominated one-hour documentary commissioned by the UK Channel 4’s Cutting Edge series, where it premiered prime time and was awarded top reviews. It then played worldwide. David’s award-winning short films have played internationally, including the Cannes Short Film Corner and Italy’s Capalbio International Short Film Festival (Best of Capalbio). His most recent short film Gary, Jr. was produced and directed by Bertha Bay Sa Pan.
In addition to creating his own work, David founded and runs the nonprofit Stowe Story Labs, which is dedicated to helping top emerging screenwriters and filmmakers get work made and seen. Now in its twelfth year, Stowe works with approximately 200 emerging talents annually at labs, retreats, workshops, advanced development programs, mentoring programs, and film production programs.
David’s last job as a lawyer was as Legal Counsel to Vermont’s then-Governor Howard Dean. He was a nationally certified EMT and member of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol (Stowe, Vermont) for 22 years, and he remains an avid backcountry skier. David lives in Stowe.