Unsung Shero Award- Kimberly Conner!Fearless Leader & Film Director, Producer, and Writer Is Making Movie Magic!

Kimberly Conner and Jensen Atwood on the set of Before “I Do”

Kimberly is looking into the lens, laser focus on a scene, and instructing lead Actors Omar Gooding and Jensen Atwood in her recent movie, Before “I Do.” She is running the show and making significant moves in the film industry, as a director, producer, screen writer, and she is indeed a fearless leader. A philanthropist who gives of her time, energy, and using her films to create awareness about A.I.D.S and Breast Cancer. Her company, Predestined Entertainment has three movies under its belt, This Life Ain’t Pretty, Jump In, and her most recent film, Before “I do”. I had the pleasure of watching her breathe life into her latest movie via social

media. All of the hard work, the labor of love, and creating her third film. As of now her movie, Before “I Do” is selling out Premieres in Illinois, Atlanta, and Boston. The media and film industry is taking notice and has added her on the list as one of the movie directors to watch out for.

She is resilient in her journey and not afraid to step out of her comfort zone to go above and beyond while tackling issues related to every day life, relationships, and the struggles we face on a daily basics.

I asked her a few questions about her career, and one thing for sure she is a woman on fire.

1. One word to describe Kimberly Conner? Driven.

2. What was the inspiration behind This life ain’t pretty, Jump In , and Before I do?”

“This Life Ain’t Pretty” places HIV/AIDS in young, Black, heterosexual America under the microscope, based on a touching true story, with the goal of raising awareness. “Jump In” is a story about love and forgiveness, but it also raises awareness about Breast Cancer, which I feel

is important. Before ‘I Do’ is a story about passion, discovering what that is, and finding the courage to pursue it.

This Life Ain’t Pretty!

3. What are some of the challenges you face as a female film director?

One of the greatest challenges facing most independent Filmmakers is financing. As a female Director, I’m challenged more than my male counterparts. The film industry is predominantly made up of white males. As a woman of color, I have to work much harder, for the same opportunities.

4. Besides being a director you are also an author and Poet tell us a little about your first book Naked Poetics and the mission behind writing it?

My sister and I decided to turn our collection of poems into a book. Spanning a period of seven years, we chose to self-publish in an effort to maintain our creative control. Naked Poetics, Poetry and Expression is very candid in nature and we did that with the intention of

generating dialog about the topics that we take on in the book.

Second Movie Release

5. Where do you see Predestined Arts and Entertainment in five years?

In the next 5 years, I see my company flourishing as a mainstream production house, producing big budget films of all genres.

6. What was your “aha moment” in making each of your films?

With each film comes a myriad of lessons. I take those lessons and apply them to the next film, things that I could improve upon, or do better.

Crew of Before “I Do”

Kimberly’s Bio

An honors graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Kimberly D. Conner is a self-published author, and independent filmmaker. She has placed as finalist in several screenwriting competitions including the Hollywood Black Film Festival Storyteller Competition, the Urban Media Makers Short Film Competition in Atlanta, and the University of Southern California, Guy A. Hanks and Marvin H. Miller Screenwriting Program. She

was a semi-finalist in Creative Screenwriting Magazine’s AAA Screenwriting Competition.

Kimberly launched Predestined Arts & Entertainment in 2005. A company that cultivates artistic endeavors, it serves as a creative voice for people of color. The company develops independent projects and other creative works, the goal, to encourage and enlighten, while generating dialog about key issues and raising awareness in our communities, through the arts.

The book, “Naked Poetics — Poetry, Expression and Illustrations”, takes a thought-provoking look at life through the eyes of two sisters, written by Kimberly and her sister, and co-author, Candice, released in 2006. Candid in nature, the book tackles topics relative to life through the art of expression. The book delves into deep topics, “politically incorrect”, it takes on controversial, societal matters, both stimulating and entertaining to readers.

In 2007, Predestined Arts & Entertainment produced Real Brothers Wear Pink, a Male Calendar honoring breast cancer survivors, an effort to raise awareness about the disease. The calendar featured 12 Brothers from the Midwest. A portion of the proceeds were donated, to fight breast cancer.

Her debut film, which she wrote, directed, and produced, “This Life Ain’t Pretty” premiered in 2009, on World AIDS Day, at the University of Illinois at Springfield. The socially conscious short film challenges the stereotypical beliefs associated with HIV/AIDS in young, Black, heterosexual America. Backed by sobering statistics, the

film is based on a true story. The film was named Top 5 Best Short Film of the Year in 2009.

In 2013, Kimberly completed her next film, a feature, titled, “Jump In”. The film will be released nationwide on DVD in 2015, available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Flixster, Vudu, and Family Video. In the film, lead, Troy Alexander, returns to her roots armed with an air tight plan to pass the Bar exam. The family is complete again, but not perfect, not by a long shot. Blindsided by the unthinkable, family ties are pushed to the limits and astounding revelations unfold. “Jump In” is a romantic comedy-drama about taking risks in life and love, forgiveness, and destiny.

The film, “Before ‘I Do’”, is now available and in select theaters. A story about a firefighter on a path to define his passion when he finds love.

Kim is a two-time breast cancer survivor, an advocate and spokesperson. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society. Kim is a staff writer with Capital City Courier Newspaper. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

You can follow Kimberly Conner on Social Media:

http://www.predestinedartsandentertainment.com/

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