Meet (some of) our cast and crew!

Jasiel Lampkin

Jasiel (they/she/he) is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and DJ who uses film, writing, and music to connect with other cultural pirates who are invested in making work that challenges colonial value systems. They love combining mismatched images, dissonant melodies, and awkward humor because they enjoy the nuanced spiritual treasures that are hidden within the mess of contradiction. Since moving to New York in 2020, they’ve brought over 50 projects to life working as a director, editor, and videographer, and their art has been featured in CITIZEN magazine, the Carpenter Museum for Visual Arts, and on platforms like The Lot Radio.

Mika Zembic

Mika explores the world as a multi-instrumentalist Jazz Musician & Electronic Producer (Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Vinyl DJ), Filmmaker, Photographer, and Model. They are the Creative Director behind @art, one of the largest art-focused digital platforms. Their work can be found in collaboration with notable brands such as Apple, Universal Music Group, Victoria's Secret PINK, Arc'teryx, Hinge, The Discovery Channel, and more. 

Yaz Josiah

Yaz Josiah is a Brooklyn based filmmaker and editor. Born to Black American and Caribbean parents and raised in London, Yaz has been working in the industry since 2015. Yaz uses filmmaking as a chopped + screwed medium to blend propaganda with perspective. They shoot on film super 8mm and digitally. Yaz currently resides in Brooklyn where they work as an editor for Black Trans Media.

Marian Fragoso

Marian Fragoso Basauri (they/them) is a filmmaker from Tijuana, Mexico based in Queens. As a real lover and constant dreamer, they use film as a way to imagine their communities as well-rounded individuals who can live beyond the lens of an oppressive system. They love slice-of-life films and choose to prioritize authenticity and tenderness over trauma. Marian holds a BFA in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy, and their work has screened in film festivals and theaters across the USA and Mexico.

Ayana François

Ayana François is a performer and overall artist dedicated to creating art that exemplifies revolutionary imagination and provides nuanced representation for underserved groups of performers and audiences. Ayana has roots in theater both as an actor and director and loves film. Some recent acting credits include  (Quaker) premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, (Candyland) and (Carribean Queen) both of which were featured at the New Fest Film Festival in 2024. Ayana has also received awards for their comedic writing and performance such as the 2021 SNL Scholarship through UCB. They regularly perform with the sketch group Pencils of Color and perform stand-up comedy throughout the country.

Joey Ramone

Joey Ramone is an accountant by day and photographer/witch/baker/party girl by moonlight. They will be playing the role of Elle in Wake Me Up When You’re Ready. His trademarks are short skirts, pushing to the dj booth and homemade banana bread.

Dumebi Malaika Menakaya

Dumebi Malaika Menakaya is a Nigerian-American visual artist originally from Maryland. Her work has been featured in galleries across the east coast, as well as in publications like the New York Times and Citizen Magazine. She has also collaborated with brands like UGG, KABASIA, Spotify, Kolo Publishing, and Rowing Blazers. She is currently working as a studio assistant to Elle Perez.

Arewá Basit

Arewa Basit (they/them) is a non-binary Black Nigerian Brooklyn based Performance Artist, singer/songwriter, musician, and Actor. Basit made their television debut in MTV’s first queer dating show Are You The One. In the fall of 2020, Basit released their debut single Fluid, a personal ode, love letter, and celebration of the fluidity in gender and sexuality.

Even More of The Team <3

  • Zola-Makeda Chatman

  • Sureni Weerasekera

  • Asha Ward

  • Savannah Oh

  • Andrew Jennings

  • Natasha Calixte

  • Sabrina Wu

  • Toshi

  • Naomi Zabasajja

  • Rutuja Sawant

  • Andreya Matthew

  • Alina Peng

  • Sheria Mattis