Sannii Crespina-flores
Tell us about you and your work:
I am the founder of the Un-Inhibited Muse Film Festival, the global youth initiative Do Remember Me and the art collaborative Yram Collective. My work has been screened at the 60th Cannes and was awarded the grand prize for the short story challenge at the 15th Sundance Film Festival. My visual art work has been exhibited in Budapest, Colombia, South Africa, London, Italy, and the United Nations (NY) and at local galleries. I have received grants from the City of Philadelphia, AT&T, 30AMP, Mind Media Independence, Independence Public Media Foundation, Wyncote Foundation and the Leeway Foundation to create works for independent television and cultural organizations. I currently serve as the board chair of the Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation and a member of the Writers Guild of America (East) Indie Caucus. I have also contributed to academic publications and created learning guides for TED Ed, National Geographic and the Hip Hop Education Center. Currently working on releasing my latest collection of short stories and photo series via ebook and hard copies at Harriett’s Bookshop.
What inspires you?
To be honest, I don’t get “inspired”, I become encouraged and or moved to action by the light and beauty I witness in those I admire, those I call family and those I have chosen to engage in this journey of being and unfolding into what I aspire or envision myself to be. I am a reflection of the courage, grace and advocacy I am privileged to participate in and be transformed by. I then hope to share what has been gifted to me by those experiences as a teaching artist and a multimedia artist.
What does community mean to you?
Any place or people that I feel at home with define community. It is a place I find refuge and nurtures my soul. A place where I am loved and can love in return. A place where revolution is the elevation and evolution of the collective group of people is a community. A community is a place where one is encouraged to thrive and lift as they move forward.
Favorite film:
I love film and as a filmmaker, there is a lengthy list but the ones that stay with me most are Daughter of the Dust, by Julie Dash, Grace by Roni Nicole, and the animated film The Breadwinner based on the novel by Deborah Ellis.
Favorite song:
I don't have a favorite song, I have favorite albums that my mother introduced me to and wrap me in warm, sweet memories. Those albums are Body Heat by Quincy Jones, Art, and Survival by Dianne Reeves, and Norman Connors Saturday Night Special.
Favorite place:
My favorite places are the marketplace Fès El Bali in old Medina Fes, Morocco, and the beaches in Barcelona, Spain.