BIO:
American filmmaker, writer, and actress Erica Faye is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and is the founder of Erica Faye Productions. "I am a Christian and a single mother of 2 amazing young men, ages 13 and 11." For the past 18 years, Faye has lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and just last year, she and her family relocated to Waterloo, Iowa. In 2005 Faye was introduced to the stage and has been creating her own lane ever since. Here theater CV includes Mirrorbox Theater, Rich Heritage Theater, U of I Gallery Production, and Iowa Playwrights Workshop to name just a few. In 2020 she decided to take a leap of faith and began starring in, writing, producing, and directing her own short films. Additionally, in 2020 she won the Lead Actress Award for her role in Neil Simon's memory play, Proposals from The Iowa Community Theater Association-ICTA. Throughout 2022 Faye received various awards for her films, and in May, 2023 Mercy won the Award of Excellence at the Iowa Motion Picture Awards (IMPA).
For Art Week Iowa 2023, Erica Faye has been invited to a multimedia collaboration by Iowa Art Week Inaugural Fellows Jill Wells and Cameron Gray at xBk Live entitled: Black Trailblazers in Art and Film Get Their Flowers at Art Week 2023 - Immersive Black Cinema + Art.
This immersive production is providing an exclusive film screening of her short film Mercy. Faye will present in person at the event to engage in an artist talk/ Q&A post-screening. This film was selected for its powerful storytelling and inspirational message.
DATE: June 17, 2023
LOCATION: xBk Live 1159 24th St - Des Moines
TIME: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
What does it mean to be part of Art Week Iowa 2023?
"It means everything to me. I am truly blessed that people see and recognize the hard work that went into making this film. I'm so happy that you all want to take time out of your day to watch it, and give me a chance to let stories of the dark be told."
What do you hope people gain from Mercy?
"I hope they learn how to forgive; If that's something they struggle with. I hope they leave wanting better for themselves, and for their futures, and I hope after seeing this film that they speak their mind, always, and know that God truly loves them."
When did you first start creating?
"I've been an actress in the theater on and off for about 19 years, and in 2020, I really started trying to make my mark in the film and tv world, but because I did not have any training on my resume or any TV or film credits, no one would give me a chance. This is when I became desperate and started to write my own films. God touched some people's hearts and they helped me create these movies from start to finish absolutely free."
What is your favorite film?
"I absolutely love movies and honestly can't pick just one. I will say my favorite kind of movies is ones with plot twists. I didn't notice it before, but those are also the only kind of movies I write right now."
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
"Same with the movies, I do not have a favorite. I would however love to work with Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, and Will Smith, just to name a few."
What or who inspires you to create?
"I tell people all the time, I am not a Christian writer, but I am a Christian who's a writer. I write about things that go on in the world that no one really talks about. The people need a voice, and I will be that voice for them. So the people who need their stories told, or just want to enjoy a really good thought-provoking movie, that's where I come in at."
What is something everyone should know about Iowa filmmakers?
"We work really hard to bring our stories to life. We all try to help each other and want to see one another succeed. For the quality of films made in Iowa, it should be a TON of money that people charge for their talent and services, but people are taking pay cuts and a ton of time away from their families trying to work with each other to make sure the project can be the best that it can be."
What are two goals you are focusing on for your acting and filmmaking career and how can support connect with you?
"I want the world to see the films that I create. I want Erica Faye to be a household name; so that when people hear it, they know that greatness is attached to that name, and love is attached to that name! I want people to be able to feel the emotion and power through their tv screens when they watch an Erica Faye film! I want to be recognized for my accomplishments by having award-winning films. I want to write people's life stories so that the world can hear about them. But overall, I want to please God with the talent that He has given me. He is who I owe my all to."
CONTACT: Erica Faye @ https://www.facebook.com/erica.toney.14
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