Episode Description
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with filmmaker, storyteller, and My Friends and I founder Cami Cruz Thomas to discuss the making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp, a powerful new documentary examining the aftermath of the May 16 tornado and the ongoing recovery efforts across North St. Louis.
Cami shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis and working for companies like Tesla and Red Bull to becoming one of the city's most influential documentary filmmakers. She reflects on how the Ferguson uprising shaped her approach to storytelling, the creation of her acclaimed Smoke City series, and why documenting community experiences has become the driving force behind her work.
The conversation explores the making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp, the importance of preserving stories before they're lost to history, and how artists, organizers, and everyday residents have stepped up to support neighborhoods impacted by the tornado. Cami also discusses the role of community-led recovery, the future of North St. Louis, and why she believes St. Louis continues to shape some of the country's most impactful creatives.
From filmmaking and activism to community healing and civic responsibility, this episode is a powerful conversation about storytelling, resilience, and the future of St. Louis.
They discuss:
• Cami's path from St. Louis to Tesla, Red Bull, and documentary filmmaking
• How the Ferguson uprising inspired her storytelling career
• The creation and impact of the Smoke City documentary series
• Building My Friends and I into a purpose-driven production company
• The making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp and documenting tornado recovery efforts
• Why preserving local stories and community history matters
• The challenges facing North St. Louis one year after the tornado
• Organizations leading recovery and mutual aid efforts across the city
• The role artists can play in crisis response and community building
• Why St. Louis continues to attract and shape creative talent
• Community screenings and the future of Red Brick, Blue Tarp
• The vision for a stronger, more connected St. Louis
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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO