ATPAC

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Growing up, I never experienced what it meant to be a part of a real community, and that all changed 3 years ago when I began spending time at a local black bookstore in my hometown. At the Pan-African Connection is where I realized that a proper cultural education, and a shared sense of purpose were missing from my own upbringing, and through this documentary I want to show how places like these can serve as a model to inspire a deeper connection to cultural roots and encourage collective action for lasting change. - Anthony Asota

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME!

I must confess, six years ago I was nervous to admit that I was an Independent filmmaker, but now, after helping produce a couple of Netflix’s biggest documentary/reality series like Love is Blind and Last Chance U, alongside Emmy award-winning Directors & Producers, I feel a bit more confident in my journey.

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, I spent my entire adolescence dedicated to my dream of receiving an Athletic scholarship, so that I would be able to attend college. During my senior year of High School, I achieved that long-cherished goal to play football at East Texas A&M, later transferring to Colorado Mesa University. However, a significant turning point in my life occurred when a surgery-bound ankle injury forced me into a long period of reflection and observation, something entirely new for me. This new perspective sparked my passion for capturing life through video, making me hyper-aware of the profound beauty in even the smallest of moments. I also became deeply curious about people’s ‘Why’, So much so that I decided to leave school with only my Associate’s Degree and travel the world.

I’ve explored over 20 countries and 6 continents. It was through these experiences that my fascination for storytelling came about. Not only was I able to emerge myself in different cultures and learn about them, but I began to learn so much about who I was. In the summer of 2018, I mustered up enough confidence to move to Los Angeles to pursue better opportunities as a Documentarian, and later that year I began working as a Production Assistant. Two years later I moved up to the role of an Associate Producer, and later a Field Producer.

WHAT'S NEXT?

After years of pouring my heart into this documentary, I’m now gearing up for the next phase—getting this film in front of people. A festival run and hosting my own public screenings will hopefully help it reach more people, open new doors, and spark necessary conversations.

Over the next few months, I’ll be submitting to festivals, organizing screenings, and figuring out the best way to share this story with as many people as possible. That means covering submission fees, travel, venues, and promotional efforts to make it happen.

But I can’t do it alone, and I’d appreciate your support. A monetary contribution is understandably a huge help in making this happen, but I also deeply value every way people show up—whether it’s being in community with me, sharing the film’s updates, showing up to events, or playing whatever role you feel suits you best at the moment. Every bit helps bring this vision to life.

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