Santana Coleman: Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Redefining Black Narratives

In the heart of Milwaukee, Santana Coleman shines as a beacon of creativity and empowerment. An Emmy award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Her/She Productions, Santana dedicates her work to reshaping Black narratives through impactful storytelling. Her latest project, "The Last Week," is a heartfelt exploration of love, sacrifice, and the impact of Black male incarceration on families.

The seed for "The Last Week" was planted in 2019 during a family gathering. Santana invited her friend, Emily, to experience the warmth, laughter, and camaraderie of her close-knit family. Amidst the joyous celebration, the reality of Santana's cousin Xavier's impending prison sentence cast a somber shadow. For Emily, who had never known anyone who went to jail, the experience was a profound and emotional eye-opener.

Growing up in Milwaukee, where Black male incarceration rates are the highest in the nation, Santana was no stranger to this harsh reality. However, witnessing Emily's emotional connection to Xavier's predicament highlighted the often overlooked humanity of incarcerated individuals. It was this moment that propelled Santana to tell a story that humanizes those entangled in the justice system, focusing on the resilience and sacrifices of Black women who support their loved ones through these challenging times.

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"The Last Week" centers on Justine Adams, played by Haley King, and her boyfriend, Danny, portrayed by Ibraheem Farmer. As Danny faces a five-year prison sentence, the film delves into Justine's struggle with her emotions and the challenge of finding normalcy in their last days together. Through poetry and poignant storytelling, the film highlights the deep love and unspoken sacrifices that define their relationship.

One of the most critical elements of the film's narrative is the poetry written by Jeronica Brister. Her work is the emotional thread that weaves the entire story together, providing a voiceover that accentuates Justine’s sentiments. Brister’s poetry not only adds depth to the characters’ experiences but also serves as the string that ties the whole storyline together, making the emotional impact of the film even more profound.

Santana's direction is deeply personal, aiming to shift the audience's perspective from seeing incarcerated individuals as mere criminals to recognizing their full humanity. This narrative is not about right or wrong but about the complexities of life and love, urging viewers to challenge their own misconceptions.

Santana's dedication to her craft is mirrored in her commitment to uplifting the Milwaukee creative scene. The production of "The Last Week" involved a predominantly Milwaukee-based crew, with 91% of the team hailing from the city. Santana intentionally sought local talent for both cast and crew roles, ensuring that the film not only told a Milwaukee story but also showcased the city's rich creative resources.

The key crew members include Rubin Whitmore II, a renowned media maker and educator who served as Producer and Post Production Supervisor, and Roger Coleman Jr., Santana's husband and co-producer, who also brought his expertise as a photographer and music artist. Cecelia Hubbard, the Director of Photography, added her diverse experience across genres to capture the film's emotional depth.

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Santana's commitment to inclusivity is evident in her choice to hire a mostly women and people of color crew. This decision reflects her belief in the importance of representation behind the scenes and her dedication to rooting for and prioritizing Black and female creatives. By doing so, Santana ensures that her work not only tells important stories but also empowers those who have historically been marginalized in the film industry.

Directing her first scripted film was both challenging and exhilarating for Santana. Every detail, from casting to wardrobe selection, contributed to bringing her vision to life. She takes pride in the final product and looks forward to continuing her journey in filmmaking, learning from each experience to enhance her craft.

Santana Coleman's "The Last Week" is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of storytelling in challenging societal norms and fostering empathy. Through her work, Santana is reshaping the narrative around Black lives and experiences, highlighting the beauty and complexity of their stories.

For more information on Santana Coleman and her work, follow her on Instagram @santanathecreator.