Mocha Girl of the Week: Thais Francis

I am a Mocha Girl on a Mission because…

There is no mountain big enough, and even if that mountain is too big, I will chip away at it with faith and a toothpick. . As an artist, I have decided not to wait for permission to create; rather I carve out stubborn and non-existent opportunities to showcase my talent. Whenever I create, it is my hope to leave audiences affected, changed, different and inspired. I merge reality, with the experimentalism of my imagination through writing, singing, acting and dancing. Whether I am dancing at the ballet barre, writing a scene for a movie, or performing before thousands- my pulse still beats with the same desire to use my artistic capabilities to see and be seen. Since I was a little girl living in Trinidad and Tobago, I have been performing and I have not nor do I intend to ever stop. For the past six years, I have lived and created in the fast paced and relentless city that never sleeps- New York. The saying “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” really does ring true. In this oversaturated and competitive market, it is easy to forget, more appealing to conform, and quite enticing to pursue a road widely trodden. However, my drive and determination fuels my passion to create, and keeps me focused on the goal at hand, and that is to share my talents with the world.

Obstacles…

Making my short film Late Expectations was challenging, I was not familiar with the film industry and encountered many obstacles and people who were not interested in working with me. My background is in theater, I have a team and network there, but film is entirely different. My emails, phone calls and meeting proposals were ignored. I was told that film is too big of a goal, I was also told that I did not have enough of a budget to make a film. However, 1 and a half years later, I have completed the film, with a great team, and we are currently in post production. I am now in the final stages of getting the movie seen, which is why I need your support. In order to see this amazing short film, please visit our indiegogo page here.

Accomplishments…

In the past, I have given speeches for the staff of the White House, I have been awarded by the Congressional Black Caucus, a featured speaker and writer at different universities, performed internationally before thousands, and I have written, starred in and produced a play OUTCRY whic has seen at theaters, schools, a University in multiple states. However, my greatest, and perhaps most daunting endeavor, is writing a film. For months, I sat in the library for hours, watched movies and read books about writing screen plays. I started with an idea, followed through at the library and taught myself how to write a film. I didn’t go to school for this, I took the initiative and weathered the dejection. I have made a movie, and that is my biggest accomplishment to date.

Keep in touch with Thais and check out her work!