LA Woman Rising with Filmmaker Nana Ghana
photography by Tim Hans
Nana, you are an amazing filmmaker and actress! Did you always know you would be in film? What would you say were the pivotal points in your story that led you to this industry?
Yes, I always knew I would be in film. Even as a little girl growing up in Ghana. The pivotal point came when I moved to LA to study. I fell in love with the city, the creativity and literally the angels.
What does voice mean to you? Can you share about a time that you felt silenced as well as a time you felt your voice was amplified?
To me, having a voice means being able to express fully in your own authentic way. The times I felt silenced were when I simply didn’t use my voice. You have a voice when you begin to see it, and over time it gets clearer, louder and precise. I feel that I am definitely on a voyage of using my voice, looking forward to having it amplified, clear and infinite, echoing. I feel my voice is being amplified at this moment with Rosario and the women of Los Angeles.
Your recent documentary, LA Women Rising is such a powerful portrayal of women's stories throughout LA. Where did this idea come from and what has been the most moving part of creating this film?
I met these LA women who appear in my film by being in the world with them, I feel like LA has a visual icon of what an LA woman is and I wanted to illuminate that and dismantle the false image of what an LA woman is.
You feature women from various backgrounds, stories, and experiences–how did you meet these women and what was their response to your invitation in sharing their stories?
My invitation was welcomed because I think people respond to truth, respect, love and authenticity, and that is what I pride myself on, being able to help elevate their voices without any pretenses.
Is there a favorite scene in this film that moves you every time?
The scene that moves me every time? There are sooo many! But I think the overall vulnerability of all the women, giving of themselves, is what moves and inspires me. Each time I watch the film, I discover something new, a truth I maybe didn’t see before and that comes from the raw vulnerability that each woman opens themselves up to in the film.
What do you want viewers to walk away from after watching LA Women Rising?
I want the viewers of LA Woman Rising to feel compassion toward women, kindness, and a deeper understanding of their fellow female beings.
If you could tell women one thing today, what would you want them to know?
If I can tell women on thing today it is to trust yourselves, sit with what is uncomfortable and watch it pass, because there lies your super power.
To amplify the voices of immigrant communities and build bridges, not walls, LA Woman Rising is partnering with For Women Who Roar and Kim Guerra of Brown Badass Latina to bring Angelenos together to celebrate the courage of female migration and the power of multiculturalism through a “Migrant Mamas” Roaring for Justice Screening and a conversation of Roaring for Justice to connect and grow, while sharing powerful stories, fierce ideas, inspiring knowledge, and resources. Reserve your spot!
Recognized by Entertainment Weekly and People magazine as among the “Ones to Watch” out of Sundance 2018 for her co-starring role in WHITE RABBIT, Writer/Director/Actor Nana Ghana has proven her ability to stand out both on and behind the camera. Her most recent work as Director, LA WOMAN RISING, is narrated and executive produced by Rosario Dawson and slated for a theatrical release in October 2019. Ghana describes the project as “a love letter to the real women of Los Angeles.“ Ghana made her directorial debut with a short film entitled WATER WARRIOR, which had the distinction of premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. Ghana was later recognized as Best Director with her follow-up short film, ELECTING, at the Oregon Short Film Festival in 2018. As an actor, Ghana stars in her recurring role on WHAT/IF, a Netflix original series. Other credits include roles opposite James Franco, Janel Parrish, Levi Dylan, Simon Pegg, and Juno Temple, as well as upcoming films MIGHTY OAK and LOST TRANSMISSION, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2019. Both films have a 2020 theatrical release. In addition to her filmmaker accolades, Ghana’s simultaneous arrival on the theatre scene, in 2017, was just as prestigious. Ghana’s play PELVIC FLOOR, which she wrote, directed and starred, debuted at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood and was selected for the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2018. Ghana’s editorials in Nylon, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, as well as her appearance in such campaigns as Gucci, Stella McCartney, and 7 For All Mankind further demonstrate an unbridled pursuit of artistry, and curiosity in the human story.