NADHEGE PTAH is an actress/filmmaker of film, stage, and theater. She began her artistic journey dancing in her mother's womb and made good on that promise winning awards for choreography and dance with various modern dance ensembles and garnering acknowledgment from The United Nations for her work. She has starred in several leading and supporting roles and has worn many hats for various productions. In 2017, she was selected to participate in the CBS diversity actor's workshop. All of her work has received critical acclaim. Nadhege's been reviewed on established platforms such as Huffington Post, Harlem Times, Backstage, and Off-Off-Broadway, to mention but a few. Ptah is the founder and CEO of the Harlem-based production company MAAT Films. Her work attempts to shed light on honest universal stories while igniting and supporting change globally. Her past projects include the award-winning short films, Harlem Love and DoDo TiTi. Also, she co-produced and directed a multi-media stage performance and short montage documentary for the legendary Nana Camille Yarborough. Ptah recent award-winning short film Paris Blues in Harlem she wrote, directed and acted in along with Tony award-winning actress Tonya Pinkins (Scandal, Gotham), Arthur French (Broadway legend, Car Wash) and the late Charles Weldon (artistic director of the Negro Ensemble, starred in Stir Crazy, Sanford, and Son, etc. ). Paris Blues In Harlem was an official selection for the Hip Hop Film Festival and earned Ptah the festival's Tubman award - given to a female director/creator whose narrative spoke truth to power. It was also in the PBS Online Film Festival for 2019 and garnered over 50,000 views during it's run.
Tell us about your experience at Hip Hop Film Festival? The experience made us feel welcome and supported as filmmakers and the commitment to go beyond the festival.
Why are stories from the culture important? The stories from the culture are pertinent because it's necessary to have narratives that are multi-dimensional and realistic than a linear and limited perspective which do not depict the richness of the culture.
What projects are you working on now? I'm working on the next phase for Paris Blues In Harlem.
Why do you think the Harlem film house and Hip Hop Film Festival is important? The brand of both entities will allow artists to showcase their creative voice, leverage, visibility, and opportunities at the festival and beyond.