In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of Sista Brunch, co-hosted by The HiveMind Unified, we sit down with award-winning writer/director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor, Saint X, Three Women) to talk about the deeply personal story behind her debut feature film, navigating the industry as a Black woman filmmaker, and the long journey to recognition—from Sundance to Criterion Collection.

Join host Fanshen Cox and co-host Shirlyn A. Cesar (Emmy-winning producer and HiveMind Unified Director of Programs) as they explore the power of storytelling, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to make timeless work—especially in the face of systemic exclusion. Plus, Ekwa shares what she’d tell her younger self at a real-deal Sista Brunch.

🖤 This episode is dedicated to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black filmmakers everywhere.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome by Fanshen Cox & Shirlyn A. Cesar
03:00 - Introducing Ekwa Msangi & Farewell Amor
06:00 - What inspired the story
08:30 - Navigating Sundance, investors & indie financing
13:00 - Budgeting the film and sacrifices made
16:00 - Distribution journey & pandemic impact
17:30 - Advice to her younger self
19:00 - Five years later: why this film still resonates
20:00 - Immigrant narratives in the age of Trump
21:00 - Favorite creative resources & staying inspired

📍 Recorded at Vidiots and in partnership with The HiveMind Unified, an organization supporting underrepresented early-career creatives in entertainment.

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