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As a child, I was enthralled with history and biographies. I struggled in Math and Science, but one rainy Friday, my 4th grade teacher pointed out I was good in History and my life changed at that moment. I decided that day I would major in History. So that’s what I did 9 years later, I entered university in Washington, DC to study History- a continuation of learning and analyzing people’s lives and decisions. I interned in the US Congress, at The White House, and for NGOs; and volunteered on political campaigns, and worked in the city after graduation. But moving to London to study for my Masters changed my worldview. I’ve lived in 9 countries and have found myself in a completely different arena: fashion. Over the past 6 years, I have developed an eye for couture craftsmanship, learning how to put intricate and detailed collections into words. As a result, I have developed relationships with some of the world's most leading brands, covering Paris, Milan, New York, and Riyadh Fashion Week shows. I also have a faith and lifestyle magazine, Seele that I founded. I decided to launch ‘The Soulful Side Of Life,’ an amalgamation of my experiences, where I interview people in areas that have touched my life in: fashion, faith, entertainment, music, business, and entrepreneurship. The podcast is an extension of my interests in discussing people’s stories.

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please follow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonlolitaportee/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoulfulSideOfLife

Seele Magazine: https://seelemag.com/

Episode 47- Film Director Christine Swanson Talks Her New Film “Albany Road”

Lynn Whitfiend and Renee Elise Goldsberry in Albany Road | Photo provided by Faith FIlmworks

Ally sat down over Zoom with Christine, who is known for her film The Clark Sisters, to talk about her newest film Albany Road, out on limited release on November 15th. Taking 23 days to shoot in Champagne, Illinois, it stars Renee Elise Goldsberry and cinema legend Lynn Whitfield.

Albany Road is anchored in the idea of Black Joy, laced with redemption and forgiveness, as you might expect from a company called Faith Filmworks, the production company headed by Christine and her husband Michael Swanson.

The film touches on the plethora of relationships that we have in life, and through colorful characters starring (Renee Elise Goldsberry’s) Celeste, a high powered, jittery ad executive, and her almost mother-in-law Paula (Lynn Whitfield).  A freak snow storm and a ticking clock forces them to share the last remaining rental car in a fierce snowstorm. Awkward! As their literal and emotional journey continues, secrets are unearthed, lost loves confronted, and messy, scary life events come to light. 

As a writer, filmmaker, and multiple award-winning director with an MFA in Film from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Christine has developed, written and/or directed entertainment projects for HBO Films, Lionsgate, Universal Television, Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios, TV One, A&E Networks, BET Films, Starz and Faith Filmworks.

Photo provided by Faith FIlmworks

Gary Dourdan and Renee Elise Goldsberry | Photo provided by Faith FIlmworks

For over a decade, Christine has made films championing Black women. And her experience with this movie has led her to believe that mostly white, mostly male studio executives are all for telling Black Trauma stories, especially during Awards Season, but allergic to Black Joy projects. While the film does face some harsh realities of life, it does not focus on Black Trauma. She and Ally gets into this in the interview.  

Enjoy this podcast interview with Christine Swanson.

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