Voyage Dallas|Interview With Aurora L. Threats
When it comes to the world of creative arts, Aurora L. Threats stands as a beacon of influence and innovation. From her earliest fascination with soap operas to her groundbreaking achievements in filmmaking and theater, Aurora’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
HI AURORA, CAN YOU START BY INTRODUCING YOURSELF?
WE’D LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY.
Hello, thank you for inviting me! My theater, writing, and filmmaking journey has been nothing short of gripping. It all began with a fascination for soap operas that captured my attention as a child, igniting a passion for storytelling that would shape my future endeavors. Growing up, I was fascinated by the dramatic narratives and sophisticated characters that unfolded on screen, sparking a path to artistic expression that would become my life’s work.
While I may not have known the exact path to take to get where I am today, I was driven by an unwavering belief in my ability to carve out my unique path. The funny thing is, I had a knack for fashion design. My mother taught me to sew, and she even bought me a sewing machine when I was in the 4th grade. After perfecting my skills, I designed an exquisitely elegant ball gown that was displayed for several months in the window of a prestigious boutique, “The Fashion Shop,” in my hometown. Many were in awe.
But ultimately, it was the allure of the stage that drew me in, and it became the path that would propel me to where I am today. I toured the nation, which helped to anchor my foundation in the arts. I have also been fortunate to do print, TV, and so much more. I remained determined to walk my path and pursue my dreams with relentless tenacity, knowing deep down that I was destined to be where I am today. Every step of the way, I immersed myself in storytelling, studying the works of acclaimed filmmakers, and learning from the masters of the craft. I keep honing my skills through hands-on experience, gaining invaluable insights that keep propelling me to my next.
Today, as I look back over my life, I could have never imagined that I would be a trailblazer making an impact and inspiring many. My work with talent from Ghana on the animated short film “Supercilious” was a historic achievement, making me the first U.S. woman to collaborate with Ghana to produce an award winning short film. This connection took place during the 2020 Covid shutdown, a period where I could focus deeply on my creativity on a higher frequency of inspiration.
ALONG YOUR JOURNEY, WHAT ROLE DID MENTORS AND EDUCATION PLAY
IN SHAPING YOUR CAREER?
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to encounter mentors and collaborators who shared my vision and offered invaluable guidance and support. Education is paramount; learning and investing in your passion are essential steps towards success in any area of expertise.
I earned a bachelor of science degree in Speech & Theatre Education from Grambling State University, which provided a solid foundation in theater and communication. Later, I secured a master’s degree in Human Relations & Business from Amberton University, broadening my understanding of business aspects.
A pivotal moment in my education was attending Marla Gibbs’ Crossroads Arts Academy in Los Angeles. There, I was immersed in a rich artistic environment fostered by Ms. Marla Gibbs, the owner of the renowned academy. Ms. Gibbs, best known for her iconic roles as Florence Johnston on “The Jeffersons” and Mary Jenkins in “227,” provided invaluable mentorship and opportunities. The academy offered access to many great instructors, and the experiences I gained there were formative, deeply shaping my artistic journey.
Reflecting on my journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way and even more excited for the future. Each experience, mentorship, and educational pursuit has contributed to my growth as an artist and filmmaker, preparing me for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been relatively smooth, balancing the demands of life and the pursuit of my dreams proved to be the greatest hurdle. I made a conscious decision to take breaks, securing a stable livelihood for myself and my family. In doing so, I discovered my own voice and remained steadfast in pursuing my vision, guided by the belief that it was the journey God intended for me.
Returning to Dallas from Los Angeles I found myself at a crossroad unsure of my next step. It was during this period of uncertainty that I turned to writing, pouring my heart into my first poetry book, ‘Behind The Line.’ However, the true turning point came when I almost skipped a seminar in Irving, TX, where Spike Lee was a guest. Something urged me to go, and I’m so glad I did. Mr. Lee’s words resonated with me, leading me down a rabbit hole of inspiration and self-discovery. This journey instilled in me a newfound sense of purpose and direction, and to this date, I am grateful for having attended.
My new found perspective allowed me to navigate my path with confidence, viewing each challenge as a stepping stone toward my goals. Despite my concerns, I emerged as a more resilient and adaptable individual, enriched by the experiences that have shaped my journey in the arts and entertainment.
AS YOU KNOW, WE’RE BIG FANS OF YOU AND YOUR WORK. FOR OUR READERS
WHO MIGHT NOT BE AS FAMILIAR WITH WHAT YOU DO, WHAT CAN YOU TELL
THEM ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate you. For the readers who may not be familiar with me. To best describe what I do, I specialize in creative arts – writing, creating, filmmaking, animation, and theatre with a focus on creating impactful and visually stunning storytelling experiences. My work is characterized by its innovative approach to storytelling, transcending cultural boundaries, and bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront.
One of my proudest achievements is being the writer, creator, and executive director, the sole proprietor of the international award-winning film “Supercilious” This film stands as a testament to my dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and fostering cultural exchange through storytelling. “Supercilious” has been showcased at prestigious film festivals across several countries, including the United States, Canada, France, and Ghana. It won the Best Animation award at both ARG Paris and IBDFF Ontario, was a Semi-Finalist at the Toronto Film Festival, and was an Official Selection at The African Film Festival (TAFF) and the International World Film Awards. These accolades highlight its technical excellence, artistic vision, and the power of its universal message of faith and resilience.
While “Supercilious” has earned notable recognition, including being nominated for the 54th NAACP Image Awards, it also garnered acclaim for its universal message of faith and resilience, resonating with audiences worldwide.
I am incredibly honored to have been named a Success 2023 Woman of Influence. Being selected as one of these visionary women is a testament to my role for positive change. It reflects my dedication to shaping our future and influencing the personal and professional lives of others through my creative work and humanitarian efforts. This recognition underscores my commitment to making a positive impact beyond the arts, using my platform to uplift communities and inspire change.
I’m excited to share that I’ve recently published my second book, ‘A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes.’ It’s a collection of inspiring poems and thought-provoking quotes aimed at uplifting readers and encouraging self-discovery.
I am truly grateful for the privilege to be hosting the Red Carpet at The African Film Festival Award Ceremony here in Dallas. This holds immense significance for me as it not only honors my past work, particularly “Supercilious,” but also serves as a testament to the power of uniting global cultures through filmmaking. Representing excellence in filmmaking on such a prestigious platform is a deep honor.
WHAT SETS YOU APART IN YOUR FIELD?
What sets me apart is my flair for originality and my commitment to not following the status quo. I embrace my own unique perspective, creating storytelling experiences that are deeply authentic and distinct. Through my work, I strive to inspire and uplift audiences by weaving together diverse cultural narratives that challenge the ordinary and celebrate the extraordinary. By bridging cultural divides, I create stories that reverberate on a global scale, fostering understanding and unity.
I am proud of my ability to use storytelling as a vehicle for change, bridging cultures, and inspiring hope. My journey as an artist, filmmaker, and writer is fueled by a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling to unite people and create positive change in the world.
WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU?
What matters most to me is the ability to make a positive impact through my diverse talents in the creative arts. I believe that creative expression has the power to change hearts, minds, and perspectives, and I am deeply passionate about using this medium to inspire, uplift, and give back to others.
Creative arts allow me to connect with people on a profound level, transcending boundaries of culture, language, and background. Moreover, creative expression is a means of preserving and sharing our collective human experiences. It allows us to celebrate our triumphs, acknowledge our struggles, and ultimately find common ground in our shared humanity.
Ultimately, what matters most to me is the opportunity to produce quality work and make a positive impact, touching hearts and giving back to the community. The ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others is what drives me forward and gives purpose to my journey in the arts and beyond.
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