The First U.S. Woman to Collaborate with Ghanaian Talent on the Award-Winning Animated Short Film "Supercilious"

During one of the most challenging global events—the shutdown of the pandemic—a remarkable opportunity emerged that would not only change the course of my career but also set a new precedent for cross-cultural collaboration in the arts. I became the first woman in the United States to collaborate with Ghanaian artists on Supercilious, an animated short film that went on to earn international acclaim—an achievement made even more significant during the global lockdown.

The pandemic, which forced the world into isolation, became a catalyst for creativity. In the face of uncertainty and separation, my collaborator Eben Yelson in Ghana and I found innovative ways to connect and create. Despite the geographical distance, I shared my vision: to produce a piece of art that transcended borders and told a story with global resonance.

From this collaboration, Supercilious was born—an animated short film that blends powerful storytelling with stunning visuals and cultural depth. The film garnered widespread recognition on the international film circuit, winning several prestigious awards. Among its many accolades, Supercilious claimed Best Animated Short Film at the ARG International Film Festival in Paris 2022, and the AfroAnimation Short Film Award 2022. It also made an impact at the Bistrita Romania International Film Festival 2023, where it was featured as an official selection. The film won Best Short Film at the International Black & Diversity Film Festival 2023 and was recognized as an Official Selection at the International World Film Awards 2023 and The African Film Festival 2022.

The crowning achievement came when Supercilious was nominated for a 54th NAACP Image Award, a recognition that spoke to the quality and impact of the work. Being acknowledged by an institution with such deep cultural significance was a profound affirmation of the film's success and a validation of the cross-cultural collaboration that made it possible.

This achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it symbolizes the power of unity and creativity, even in times of uncertainty. The pandemic, which posed so many challenges, also opened doors to new possibilities, allowing us to connect across continents and create something truly special. For me, Supercilious is a reminder that creativity, collaboration, and resilience can overcome any obstacle.

As I look back on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Eben such talented Ghanaian artists. The experience reinforced the importance of embracing challenges, pushing beyond limitations, and believing in the power of global partnerships. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue forging new paths in the world of film and cross-cultural collaboration.  Working with Eben has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that has turned us into a true family, united by a shared vision and passion for creating impactful work that transcends borders.

Ultimately, this journey has taught me that no matter the obstacles, we all have the power to create something meaningful. I hope that my story inspires others to take bold steps, even when the path ahead is unclear. Supercilious was curated from my poem of the same name, which is featured in my book A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes.

Looking back now, I see that every step even the difficult ones was divinely guided, shaping me for a purpose greater than I could have envisioned.