Jazmin Joes and Olivia McKayla Ross are the creative minds behind the documentary, Seeking Mavis Beacon. The feature, which premiered at Sundance 2024, investigates the disappearance and reexamines the legacy of one of the most influential Black women in technology. The documentary also explores topics like ethics, consent, and having a healthy relationship with technology.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, speaks with Director Jazmin Jones and Associate Producer Olivia McKayla Ross, to discuss:

How Jazmin and Olivia met and started working together
The benefit of not having a film career prior to making the project
Why the investigation itself was the priority over the film
How they built the digital world of the film
Consent - how it became part of the narrative
Community organizing versus filmmaking
How street photography taught Jazmin about the importance of consent
The power of using search engines
How they created a safe, beautiful space in their headquarters
Asking for what you need and what you want
Why you should follow your instincts
The magical experience seeing other people react to the film

Memorable Quotes

“More than using the language of the film industry, we were using the language of collective organizing.” [7:15]
“In community organizing, you’re thinking of the long term impacts of the things you are doing.” [13:20]
“The longer it takes you to ask for the thing you suspect you might need, the more it costs you.” [27:25]
“Having a room of people laugh at my dad’s dad jokes is like the best thing in the world.” [30:16]

Mentioned:

Seeking Mavis Beacon

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