Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Gill
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For sure! Honestly, it all began because my dad left my family. My parents divorced and after moving across the country, I was introduced to film production, began producing and editing live news shows at Stone Mountain, Georgia’s Stephenson High School. At a time I didn’t feel understood, seen or valued, studying video production helped me develop a visual language to not only perceive the world, but give me the authority to create a new perspective of myself in it.
Not too long after graduating from Mississippi State University, I returned to Atlanta and began teaching middle school broadcasting and graphic design. I saw a lot of myself at that age in so many of my students. Witnessing first-hand the limited outlets for healthy creative expression and empathy development for middle-school-aged students, I created The Bluest Space. The Bluest Space is a youth film intensive program to eradicate negative emotions, express feelings, and uplift kids-which led to the founding of Moknowsbest, the filmmaking company. Our focus is to cultivate original programs, guided by the mission to support and encourage youth to exemplify emotional maturity and self awareness using film education and practice.
Now, I am an accredited Director, Creative Producer, and Video Editor through our first original documentary series, The Bluest Space; Creatives Defining Fine Art Spaces. The series is IMDB-qualified, nominated for Best Documentary Short Film in The London Indie Festival, Austin International Art Festival, Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift, Atlanta Women’s Film Festival, and winning the Documentary Short Film Category at the AMSC “Bring Your Brilliance” Short Film Festival.
Additionally, I am an active 479 IATSE Union member and continue to work on film and television projects with noted networks such as HBO, ABC, AMC, Apple TV+, and Amazon; but making programs with and for youth makes producing worthwhile for me! I used to pray to God that I would be able to make a living by being able to create beautiful things, I and others love, with creatives that were passionate about their work, enjoyed laughter, and always eager to teach and learn. I had no idea those creatives would be kids, ha!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth would not be the word to describe my journey thus far.
I am aware now that my challenges began with being emotionally neglected in childhood and were magnified during my parents’ divorce. My parents’ marriage ended for me at ten-years-old. The separation left my mother, two sisters, the youngest having Down Syndrome, and myself, homeless. We moved from Houston, Texas to live with family in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Transitioning into a single-parent household was a challenge. I felt I didn’t have a place to be myself, to belong, or to express my feelings about all the changes. We are all too familiar with the single-mother trope but it was a slice of my experience. One income is challenging with three active girls. I’m no stranger to a cold shower and although not frequent, going to bed with no dinner has dashed-my-door a handful of nights.
Home-life was tough but my struggle mostly came as a result of seeking validation of my time, my talent, and my ideas outside myself. I’ve paid my dues and taken a lot of time discovering who I am and who I am not. The obstacles have built my resilience and demonstrated to me how to depend on my faith, my grit, and my chosen community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Bluest Space?
The Bluest Space is the flagship program of Moknowsbest. Our curriculum is created for middle school aged students and adaptable for high school, college and senior populations. Despite the discomfort and unglamorous aspects of life, sharing our stories can touch hearts, spark reflection, and foster growth for both individuals and community alike.
The Bluest Space Youth Film Intensive is a 6-session documentary film production course designed to mentor participants to express their emotions through filmmaking. This workshop serves as a platform to eliminate negative emotions, articulate feelings, and inspire students through a tailored filmmaking and mentorship program. The emphasis is on fostering self and collective empathy, reshaping the perception of their worth in society, and honing marketable skills.
I want readers to know that The Bluest Space is the reflection of me and my students real life experiences; lived, felt, and learned. What sets The Bluest Space apart is our passion to sculpt young minds and improve the lives of those who follow our footsteps. Our mission is to support and encourage youth to exemplify emotional maturity and self-awareness using film education and practice. We may be a product of our environment but we do not have to be victims to our past. I am most proud of creating a program that channels pain into power. God loves you and you do not have to do it alone.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is how and when to set boundaries. I had to learn to never give to anyone or anything what I would not give myself, first. Learning the lesson has helped to build my self-confidence and maintain my peace. The more peace I have within, the more beauty I can create for myself and the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moknowsbest.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moknowsbest.atl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Moknowsbest.ATL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoltU8SBR-w&feature=youtu.be
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Glenn Callwood/ATL
