I lived most of my life in Harlem, but now live in Rochester, NY. I have been keeping myself busy by making short documentaries about social issues that usually get overlooked by mainstream America. I have 11 years of experience as a documentary filmmaker and an M.F.A. in media arts production.
I am currently working on “Solutionz,” a one-hour program meant to remind communities that the incarceration of a parent has lasting negative effects on a child. My inspiration came from seeing my son who is currently incarcerated. I would leave the prison after a visit and see the kids break down when they got to the other side of the gate. It’s just heartbreaking to see. It really stuck in my mind, the faces of the kids and how they were the victims. What was their story? What did they do to deserve the heartbreak? It touched me as a filmmaker to find out what is going on with these kids.
I am looking to interview male children between the ages of 7 and 18 who have a parent incarcerated for my documentary. If you would like for your child to participate or if you’re a child who would like to participate, please fill out this form [this information will NOT be shared with anyone else]:
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My plan is to screen “Solutionz” in prisons so that currently incarcerated parents can be more aware of (and thus more prepared for) the emotional and physical status of their children. I have three young women who I have already shot some footage with in Rochester, but no boys at all. I really need males between the ages of 7 and 18. I am also looking for non-profits to sponsor the film and developing a package proposal. I need to have a fundraiser in NYC and Rochester, so I know I need some space.
Well, I put my beans on the table of what I’m doing and why I’m doing what I do. Not for the money, that’s for sure. As an artist, I love filmmaking. I love it even when I’m broke because it makes me whole. Sharing rarely heard stories with others is priceless for me.
If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you.
I hope to hear from you. Thank you.
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This is an absolutely exceptional project to undertake though I doubt you can truly do the topic justice in a single hour. The ramifications of having a parent behind bars are varied and far reaching. I respect you for taking on such a project. However, I would like to ask if you have considered touching base with adult children who grew up with parents behind bars to get a glimpse of the long term effect of this sort of upbringing? Children suffer greatly when separated from a parent and as adult we still suffer. Might be something to consider for this or even future projects. Good luck to you on this and future endeavor.
I understand your concern and thanks so much for your support. Yes, I am seeking older individuals that have been effected by their parents incarceration. Though I would love to have a longer documentary I am currently financing this project myself. If folks would like to assist with the financial support that would be fabulous but I am doing what I can to help these children and parents. Thanks again for the positive re-enforcement.
All the best,
Nicholle La Vann
I’m so excited for you… this is quite an undertaking, but one that will touch many lives. My husband has been incarcerated for almost 17 years. Our daughter was 9 months old when he got locked up. We just had a son and I am terrified of raising a son on my own. Our hope is that my husband will be home in time to help raise him, but I see the huge hole that his absence has created in our daughter’s life. Sadly, not enough support is available for the children of incarcerated parents. Next year our daughter will be looking at going to college and I have no idea how we will be able to afford it. This is something that I’m sure many other parents deal with as well. Still, we must count our blessings on a daily basis! Good luck with your project!!!