Filmmaking

In My Garden ∣ Thesis Short Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2023)

After the loss of her closest friend, Safiyah pushes through her lonely life by shutting out the world. Succumbing to the weight of her self-isolation, Safiyah is fired from her job and comforted by words from a generous stranger, who, during a fun girls' night, shows her a new meaning of "friend".

"The objective of this story is to celebrate that moment of realization between strangers that they have a true, soulful connection. In the digital and pandemic eras, friendship is hard and loneliness rates, especially among young adults, continue to increase. Some of our tightest and longest-lasting bonds in life are that of friends, and yet so often, especially for Black female leads in film, the intimacy of friendship is overshadowed by romantic connections. As a Black woman at a PWI, loneliness hit me the hardest upon moving to NYC and while it continues to be one of the most difficult challenges of my life, it blessed me with a newfound perspective on what I truly want in a friend and has taught me ways to co-create meaningful experiences with the people I've chosen to let into my life. I've accepted that curating something so precious takes time and trial and error. Thus, this film represents the spark I hope to feel when I finally find my tribe in this new city. Making friends is an awkward and beautiful process, especially in the beginning. "In My Garden" aims to capture the very beginning - the first night - of a possibly lifelong friendship."

Written and Directed by Zahri Josita Jackson

Producers∣ Evie Rose, Nyssa Joseph, Anivta Gattani

Director of Photography∣ Benjy Berkowitz

Editor & Post Producer∣ Nicole Salemeri

Colorist∣Nicole Salmeri

Score∣ Lamar Long & Omolara Ayodeji

Sound Mixer∣ Virginia Wright

Black Film Festival of New Orleans - Official Selection

Best Young Filmmaker Award Winner - Zahri Josita Jackson

Best Director Award Nomination - Zahri Josita Jackson

Best Actress Award Nomination - Tatiana Skyy

New York International Women Festival - Semi-Finalist

LA Independent Women Film Awards - Award Nominee

Best Student Film Nomination

Hollywood New Directors - Honorable Mention

Chelsea Film Festival - Official Selection

SHELTER∣ Narrative Short Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2021)

Reclusive college senior, Ora, embarks on her tumultuous, romantic, and frustrating journey toward healing after a traumatic experience threatens her sense of safety, space, and autonomy.

Written and Directed by Zahri Josita Jackson

Director of Photography∣ Ava Emilione

Sound∣Irina Lazouski

Editor∣ Shaye James

Colorist∣Marcy Robinson, Nice Shoes

Score∣ Duanna

Producer∣ Zion Callaham

Production Assistant∣ Amaechi Kofoworola

"With 'Shelter', I wanted to tell a story of healing that was reflective of my own journey navigating violence against women. Many women understand the fear that comes along with just leaving the house and, unfortunately, even the protection of shelter isn't enough to keep the harm away. Making this film was an elixir of sorts for me to process my own emotions and I hope the story resonates and helps others dealing with similar trauma. Though the harm we see in the film is not extremely violent, Ora's reaction to it, locking herself away in the safety of her bedroom, is indicative of the way the smallest transgressions against our womanhood add up day by day, forcing us to make unconscious and conscious decisions that make us feel safe again—even if it comes with a cost."

STASIS ∣ Poetry Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2021)

starring and narrated by Maritza Cayo (@daphneyyy_)
score by Meadow Cloud (@theseedsthatgrow)

Ashley Marsh for TEAM Mag ∣ Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2020)

A quick highlight on TEAM's "photographer-in-residence", Ashley Marsh,@ash.marzo. Not only is she an amazing photographic artist, she is a true makeup/hair/fashion icon. You might've seen her work in our Genesis Cover Shoot, but keep an eye out for the next couple of weeks for more of Ashley's content for TEAM. Check her out.
Directed byZahri Josita Jackson@zjosita
Director of Photography, Ashley Newquist@ashleynewq

Music (not owned by me):
Cash Race - Tinashe
Taste - KAYTRANADA (ft VanJess)
ZZZ - Arin Ray
Slide - Zikomo

Watch on TEAM's Instagram

Too Good To Be True ∣ Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2020)

"I had so much fun making this and it, for me, captures what it was like making art while in quarantine this summer. D and I went to Central a few times to eat, talk, write, relax, get some fresh air, and take photos. Despite the horrors/anxieties of the pandemic, I found peace in our little outings and in my art. Which is what prompted the working title for this piece, 'Too Good To Be True'"

Creative Direction and Editing by me
Photo and Video by me and D Harper @okaydareme

Song: “Outside of That” by Bessie Smith

PROCESS ∣ Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2020)

Exploring the artistic process and what our work looks like. Directed and Shot by Zahri Josita Jackson

Music by Dee Harper (@okaydareme)

got home safe :) ∣ Film by Zahri Josita Jackson (2019)

NYU Filmmakers of Color in Unity and Support (FOCUS) Film Festival Official Selection

Director of Photography, Amanda Eckroth (@fleetwoodmacbookpro)

For NYU Sight & Sound: Filmmaking Fall 2019

Prof. Alrick Brown

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