“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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