Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahiem Shabazz.
Rahiem, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Rahiem Shabazz, and I’m an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, podcaster and academic ambassador for the African-American community. My journey started as a hip-hop journalist writing for several urban driven publication before I ventured into screenwriting and producing short films. One of my films, “The Sun Will Rise” won an award, and I was selected to be an apprentice on the set of “Tyler Perry” Studio. Eventually, I got hired and worked on four films before doing independent documentaries.
I self-financed all my movies. My entire budget would barely cover the catering tab for a typical Hollywood studio film. But, I was able to increase the value of the production due to my knowledge and skillsets I learned early on in my career.
My documentaries focus on social justice issues and are intended to raise the consciousness of the viewers. I’m known for my critically acclaimed Elementary Genocide docu-series, which provides a critical expose of mass incarceration, the war on drugs, and the connection between slavery, capitalism, and the prison industrial complex.
Elementary Genocide: The School To Prison Pipeline
Elementary Genocide 2: The Board of Education vs. The Board of Incarceration
Elementary Genocide 3: Academic Holocaust
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an independent filmmaker and entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are worth the long days to have control over your own destiny. Starting our biggest struggle is finance, but with the advent of social media, it’s no longer a hurdle and can be easy obtained.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
Rasha Entertainment is a full production company that develops a wide range of programming for television shows, web-series, documentaries to short-form-digital videos and advertising campaigns. We predict, define and create what’s hot and infuse it into today’s culture. We pride ourselves on being able to provide businesses with the creative imagination that drives commercial success, and I think that sets us apart from others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
In regards to filmmaking, Roger Bobb of Bobbcat Films, who previously served as Executive Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios, allowed me to work with “Tyler Perry Studios” and took the time to show me the ins and outs of production. I will also have to give credit to my elders and the community leaders that made it possible for me to learn and analyze the world around me so that I may be able to vibrate on a higher frequency.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ElementaryGenocide.com
- Phone: 404-484-2706
- Email: rahiem.shabazz@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/RahiemShabazz
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RahiemShabazz
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/RahiemShabazz
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