we are sharing our recent interview with short film Heart of a Woman writer Toni Newman.
Pro Media Mag : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
Toni Newman : I wrote the memoir I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman in April 2011. It was the first memoir written in the 21st century by African-American trans woman. My partner Alton Demore and I wrote a screenplay and teleplay based off the book and that is how Heart of a Woman short film began.
Pro Media Mag : Who or what inspired you to get into entertainment industry?
Toni Newman : My partner Alton Demore motivated me to finish my memoir and complete the book. He believed the story was unique and interesting.
Pro Media Mag : Tell us about your recent short film “Heart of a Woman” ?
Toni Newman : Heart of a Woman is based off memoir I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman. It is a film about sexuality, gender, overcoming obstacles and being true to who you are no matter the odds. The basic narrative is be your authentic self.
Pro Media Mag : Our readers would like to know more about the story of the movie, is it based on any inspiration?
Toni Newman : Yes after being homeless and living in poverty for trying to be my authentic self, the basic story is be your authentic self and be true to you. We all should live our true lives without hesitation and fear.
Pro Media Mag : What kind of experience it was working on this project?
Toni Newman : The experience was amazing. We shot the film in 3 days in a Burbank studio and it was exciting to see the film come together under the direction of Director Keith Holland.
Pro Media Mag : What kind of response you are expecting from the release?
Toni Newman : We hope people are inspired to be their authentic self and living their true life. No obstacle is too big to overcome.
Pro Media Mag : Based on your experiences with film festivals, would it be your prefrence in the future? What has that experience been like?
Toni Newman : Film festivals are good exposure for the film and we welcome the festivals. We have met some wonderful people and we have been in 4 festivals so far (Culver City Film Festival, California Short Winter Film Festival, Germany Transgender Film Festival and the Phillippines Transgender Film Festival).
Pro Media Mag : Are you currently working on any other project?
Toni Newman : My partner Alton Demore and I are working on another motivational and inspirational book and we want to turn the Heart of a Woman short film into a full feature film.
