To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
Tantra-zawadi: The idea came to light when I visited South Africa as part of the Badilisha Poetry X-Change Festival (love and thanks to Malika Ndlovu, the curator). I wanted to create a short documentary about the events leading up to that important journey, the performance of my choreospective “Girl” and the poetry/creative connection. “Girl – the Film,” is still a work in progress. Then the opportunity presented itself for World AIDS Day – to stretch even more.
CM: What inspires you to do what you do?
TZ: Love! I love life – beauty, discovery, pain, birth, being a woman, relationships, growing, spirituality, children, art, music – lots of music – and in all this there is love. In all this there is God. The supreme inspiration in us all!
CM: As an independent artist, do you experience difficulties to promote your message? If so, why?
TZ: It can be challenging if you let it. I am on an incredible journey. I have learned to say yes to opportunities for growth that lead to new experiences. Every step of the way there is a question and a place to share. I don’t really like promoting myself personally yet the tools of Internet communication make the world accessible. We can create, perform and share thanks to technology. It makes a world of difference and presents adventures otherwise beyond our reach. In terms of my message, poetically speaking, it is not difficult. I believe in what I write and enjoy watching the evolution unfold.
CM: According to you, what can independent artists do to positively affect the world around them?
TZ: Continue writing about your interpretation, your truth of the world. There are many voices, influences, cultures, laws and languages in which to share. I want to experience other interpretations of life, art and vision. It is important to share our truth. It is important to read about the past and to learn from the lives of others.
CM: What is next for you?
TZ: I enjoy doing one-woman poetry performances like Girl and Soldier Blues. They afford me room to tell stretch with mixed media. I am also writing a play and putting together my next choreospective. I would like to dance a little more in my performances, be an outstanding mother, daughter, sister, beloved friend and live a passionately insightful life! Of course there will be more travels and collaborations with soulful house musicians – oh, the stuff I have in the can is bananas! I cannot wait to share it with you all!
CM: Where can people find more information about you?
TZ: Please visit me on my Website, Facebook or Myspace and share it with your friends.
CM: Any last words?
TZ: My words are always new beginnings.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a writer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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