Kristin Watson is an actress, writer, and director from Atlanta, GA. She has a dual degree in Theatre and Performance Studies and Government from Georgetown University. She has performed in many historical venues in Washington, DC, and New York including The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Carnegie Hall, and New York Theatre Workshop. This year, she debuted her first short film at the Hip Hop Film Festival which she wrote and produced about her experiences working in New York City.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival?
I enjoyed my experience at the Hip Hop Festival. Although we weren’t able to meet in person, the festival team did a great job ensuring that the panels, screenings, and social events were interactive and informative. I was incredibly honored to have my first short film, “Why Am I Here?”, selected for the festival.
Why are stories from the culture important? Stories from the culture are important because they give the world a snapshot into how artists, especially artists of color, view and respond to various situations in society. These stories can also serve as a teaching mechanism and a way to start conversations with people from varying backgrounds. Stories from the culture have the power to influence our way of life.festival
What projects are you working on now? I am working on expanding my screenplay, "Barista Baby", which premiered at the Hip Hop Film Festival last year, into a television series. I'm also focusing on furthering the story of "Why Am I Here?" into a feature film. I'm also developing stories about moving home and navigating new territory during the pandemic.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? Harlem Film House and the Hip Hop Film Festival not only provide platforms for artists to share their work but also allow them to network and collaborate with other artists and expand their creative community. I’m excited to see how the Harlem Film House and the Hip Hop Film Festival continue to grow and elevate independent stories all over the world.