“You Don't Have To Like Me” by Safiyah Chinierev

“You Don’t Have to Like Me” strives to open a poignant window into the lives of masculine-presenting women and the burdens they've born from societal norms. This narrative unfolds with a deep exploration of emotions and intellect, unveiling the profound sense of devaluation that these women often experience. In a world marred by hate, criticism, and a painful sense of invisibility, We, yearned to cast a luminous spotlight on the significance of community.

We embark on a journey, where self-discovery isn't merely a reflection in a window, but a profound realization of self-worth. It is a reminder that there is immense value in embracing and celebrating the diverse manifestations of womanhood. It’s a testament to the resilience, beauty, and strength of those who defy societal expectations, shedding light on the many facets of being a woman in a world that so often attempts to define and confine us.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

“My inspiration stems from the journey of healing my wounds. While the scars may still linger, I've become vocal and acutely self-aware. I am a masculine-presenting woman, on a mission to normalize the presence of women like myself on screen."

-Safiyah Chiniere

CREDITS

CAST

Masculine woman// Jalese Ayana (She/Her)

Feminine woman// Samuela John

Mother// Demi Rock

Voice of Mom// Trevania Layne (She/They)

Grandmother// Mrs. Jennifer Burrell

Featured Talent

Conservative Man// Aljam

Black Man// Dayja Riddick (He/HIm)

Featured Couples

Shaunese Crawford (No Preference)

Shadai Clawson (She/Her)

Francheska Nivar (She/Her)

Chelsea Alexander (She/Her)

Yanique Newman (She/Her)

Trevania Layne (She/They)

Masculine Women Featured Talent

Safiyah Chiniere (She/Her)

Ari ljad (She/Her)

Afiya Cutting (they/she/he)

Wynter White (she/her/they/them)

Lee Heflin (She/Her)

Chelsey Alexander (She/Her)

Moe LaRena (They)

Yanique Newman (She/Her)

Shiann Clark (She/Her)

Doreen Pierre (She/They)

Writer& Director// Safiyah Chiniere  (She/her)

Producer// Trevania Layne (She/They)

Director of Photography// Leonardo Schober

Assistant Director// Shane Mendoza (They/Them)

1st Assistant Camera// Liam Nary

Gaffer// Aiden Labruno

Grip// Osas Amenze

Production Sound Mixer// Robyn Huey (She/They)

Hair/Makeup// Darielle Dalencour

Production Assistant// Maya Dawit

Production Assistant// Ethan Edwards

Stills Photographer// Lee Heflin (She/Her)

Post-Production

Edited & Sound Design// Billy Brown

Re-recording Mixer// John-Paul Natysin

Colorist// Leonardo Schober

Thank you to all that supported:

The City College of New York

Department of Theater and Speech

Park Plaza Restaurant

Star Luna (She/Her)


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