Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Arshley Emile.
Dr. Emile, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I remember back in my doctoral program, my committee chair asked me if I was going to write a book on my dissertation topic, which focused on the disproportionate suspension rate of black boys in education. I told him no because I wanted people to see the injustice in living color. I didn’t trust my book or any book, for that matter to honestly paint the picture of oppression accurately. But because I was funding this project on my own, my beautiful bride encouraged me to start taking photos and filming events such as weddings and parties to help support the film.
Thank God, I listened to her. I discovered a whole new talent, passion, and gift in filming and photography. This new found talent and gift has allowed me to shoot commercials for fortune 500 companies, travel to Africa and meet people from all kinds of backgrounds. I feel it is my calling to use film and photography to tell the stories of the brown and black communities. By doing this, I feel I can help mitigate the negative perspectives aimed at our community and in the same light, encourage our brown and black boys and girls to see themselves in a positive way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely had some roadblocks in my pursuit in film and photography. I believe like many creatives in this field, money or the lack thereof can slow things down, especially when you have a family. I have done good financially but there were seasons where it was dry. But I never got into this field for money. I honestly would do it for free if I didn’t have a family and school loans. But all jokes aside, I would encourage any creative starting out to not become discouraged. I would strongly encourage them to trust the process and God’s timing. Another hurdle I had to jump over was trying to find time and space to create while juggling marriage, kids, and a 9-5. It’s difficult to manage but it is absolutely doable.
Please tell us about Timberhouse Films.
Timberhouse Films is a small business that focuses on telling stories of people of color. We’ve been in business for the past five years. We specialize in Black and White images, creating documentaries, short films and music videos. We are also known for our creative recaps for local and international events as well. As a company, we are most proud of how we’ve always reflected the times without comprising. I think it’s important to document about the issues surrounding our country even if it means exposing the ugly truth. Also, I think what sets us apart is the simple fact that we don’t take every business that lands on our desk. For instance, we will not take a job that puts down women, especially black women or our community as a whole. We are in the business of lifting people up and not degrading them.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is when my mother bought me my first disposable camera. She told me that I was responsible in capturing our family vacation to Disney World. I was so excited because I have always wanted one and felt it good that she trusted me with the task of documenting our vacation. I didn’t know it then but I believe that it was God’s way of telling me that this would be the way I would communicate to the world one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.timberhousefilms.com
- Email: timberhouse3@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberhousefilms/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timberhousefilms
Image Credit:
Timberhouse Films
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