Jada George is establishing herself as a director to watch in the independent film world. At just 28 years old, the Hampton University graduate made her directorial debut with a powerful short film. “Where The Children Go To Play” is making waves at festivals and earning prestigious awards already.
The chilling dystopian short film has already won the “BEST US SHORT” Award at Echelon Studios International Film Festival. It’s scheduled to appear at the upcoming Brooklyn Sci-Fi Film Festival and Flickers Vortex Film Festival. The film explores what it means to be “worthy” of survival in a system governed by cold judgment.
Where The Children Go To Play Explores Morality and Technology in Dystopian Future
According to the synopsis, the film examines survival worthiness in a system governed by synthetic judgment entities. The story launches viewers into a future where technology controls basic human rights and societal governance. Artificial intelligence entities serve as proctors who test candidates through intimidation and manipulation of their moral beliefs.
“I simply want this film to start conversations, from morality to technological progression,” George explained about her intentions. She wants audiences to analyze where society stands today and whether we’re heading in the right direction. The film forces viewers to question whether their beliefs come from genuine conviction or generational programming.
George emphasizes that viewers should approach the film with open minds willing to challenge their own ideas. “Too many times, we’ve witnessed negative and harmful qualities being passed down from generations,” she stated. The film addresses social matters like politics, racism, and classism through its futuristic dystopian lens.
Hampton University Graduate Overcomes Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome as Young Director
George faced significant internal obstacles on her path to becoming a director despite her evident talent. She struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome that many young creatives experience in competitive industries. Years passed while she talked herself out of creating projects, convinced she wasn’t ready yet.
“There have been so many times where I’ve wanted to create something but would talk myself out of it,” George admitted. She compared herself to directors who attended major film schools like NYU or USC constantly. Watching talented filmmakers with prestigious credentials and experience shadowing on major sets made her question her readiness.
The breakthrough came when George realized she was her own biggest obstacle holding herself back unnecessarily. “After years of holding myself back I finally realized that the only thing stopping me was me,” she reflected. She came to understand what people meant when they say “comparison is the thief of joy.”
Young Filmmaker Learns That Unique Perspective Matters More Than Traditional Credentials
George’s perspective shifted when she recognized that her unique experiences make her storytelling valuable and authentic. “What makes you the most unique storyteller is that you are bringing your own perspective,” she explained. Your perspective is based on what you’ve lived and learned throughout your individual journey exclusively.
She encourages aspiring filmmakers to understand they’re ready today if they can commit to bringing stories to life. “No longer are the days where we need to ask for permission to create,” George declared confidently. Independent filmmakers now have access to numerous resources that make creating possible without traditional gatekeepers’ approval.
The difference between “not making it” and “making it” in the industry is literally making the project. “Make the project,” she advised simply but powerfully to those hesitating like she once did. Her own success proves that taking action matters more than waiting for perfect credentials or circumstances.
Festival Audiences Connect With Characters Facing Moral Tests Under Pressure
The response to “Where The Children Go To Play” at festival screenings has been overwhelmingly positive and engaging. George receives live feedback from viewers who see themselves reflected in the characters facing difficult questions. Audiences are forced to think about how they would answer the proctor’s challenging moral inquiries themselves.
“People have been able to see themselves in our characters,” George noted about the immediate identification. This personal connection makes viewers examine what influenced their own beliefs about worthiness and survival. The film prompts reflection on whether beliefs come from family teaching or genuine personal conviction honestly.
George wants viewers to locate the roots of their beliefs and challenge generational curses being passed down. “Now more than ever it is important to break generational curses,” she emphasized about the film’s purpose. That requires digging deep to find where harmful patterns originated and consciously choosing to end them.
Dystopian Genre Allows Director to Highlight Controversial Topics People Usually Avoid
George’s fascination with dystopian societies stems from their power to address difficult subjects through speculative frameworks. “It’s one of the greatest tools for highlighting topics that most people try to avoid,” she explained. The genre allows filmmakers to take controversial themes and add dark twists that villainize certain ideologies.
This approach forces audiences to see negative results in ways that make ignoring them difficult or impossible. Dystopian worlds provide opportunities to utilize cinematic elements relying heavily on special effects and technologically advanced props. These technical elements were new to George but enhanced her storytelling capabilities significantly through collaboration.
She particularly enjoyed working with sound designer and composer Dominic Frederick to audibly bring the world to life. “There are many minor details that’ve been added to this film to enhance certain feelings of eeriness,” George shared. These details help drive the story’s tones and create the unsettling atmosphere that makes the narrative effective.
Director’s Assistant Experience Taught Importance of Preparation and Time Management
George’s transition from director’s assistant to director provided crucial lessons about professional filmmaking standards and expectations. “One of the main things that I’ve learned has been the importance of prep,” she emphasized. In the film industry, time equals money, and showing up unprepared can push production behind schedule.
Getting on the producer’s bad side by wasting time is easily avoidable through proper preparation and planning. From storyboarding to shot listing, blocking, and location scouting, directors must know their stories intimately. Having multiple execution plans makes communication with cast and crew easier and more efficient throughout production.
This preparation builds trust between the director and their team, which makes production days run smoother overall. “It is important that you know the story you are trying to tell,” George advised about directorial responsibilities. Crew members need to trust their director’s vision and preparedness to perform their own roles confidently.
Black Women Directors Find More Opportunities Thanks to Industry Pioneers Like Issa Rae
George believes there are significantly more opportunities for Black women in film compared to five years ago. Power players like Quinta Brunson and Issa Rae have proven that Black women can successfully bring stories to life. They’ve demonstrated that authentic storytelling from script to screen is possible and commercially viable for diverse audiences.
“I am grateful to be existing in this day and age where the doors have been opened,” George expressed. The seat is waiting at the table for Black women directors ready to claim their space. This creates a sense of purpose for her as she understands her filmmaker role involves broadening Black identity.
George aims to show the world that Black people have more to offer than stereotypical characters audiences expect. “We can exist in all spaces, as we do exist in all spaces,” she stated about representation. Black women are no longer waiting for permission to tell their stories but taking their narratives back.
Gina Prince-Bythewood and Wes Anderson Among Directors Who Inspire Jada George
George draws inspiration from filmmakers like Gina Prince-Bythewood, Wes Anderson, Kenny Ortega, and Steven Spielberg. All these directors share a unique approach to storytelling that sets them apart from peers. From shot composition and framing to coloring and story selection, each has influenced George’s directorial aspirations.
“I could name a project from each that has inspired me to become a director,” George said. She wants to create stories that provide escapism for viewers seeking temporary departure from reality. Her goal is making people go on a journey when watching her films that moves them emotionally.
“I want them to be moved by each shot. Whether it’s a feeling or the overall look,” she explained. George hopes to create her own unique signature that audiences will recognize across her body of work. Her influences demonstrate appreciation for both artistic vision and technical craftsmanship in equal measure throughout filmmaking.
Emerging Director Advises Aspiring Filmmakers to Network and Become Problem Solvers
George offers two key pieces of advice for aspiring directors beginning their careers in competitive industries. First, network across different departments and disciplines rather than staying in siloed creative communities exclusively. Second, learn to become an effective problem solver who focuses on solutions rather than dwelling on issues.
“80% of the job is putting out fires, balancing schedules, and keeping the ship afloat,” she explained. Directors control the flow of a set, so their energy affects the entire crew’s morale. “If you begin to panic, the whole crew will begin to panic,” George warned about leadership responsibility.
Filmmaking is a collaborative sport where relationships matter more than money or equipment ultimately and sustainably. “Nurture your relationships and treat everyone you meet with respect,” she advised about professional conduct. As you rise in the industry, the circle gets smaller, and you never know where opportunities originate.
Award-Winning Short Film Represents Beginning of Promising Directorial Career
George’s success with “Where The Children Go To Play” represents just the beginning of what promises to be a significant career. The festival awards and screenings validate her decision to finally make her project despite previous self-doubt. Her willingness to tackle complex themes in her debut demonstrates confidence and ambition that will serve her well.
The film’s exploration of morality, technology, and societal governance resonates with audiences facing similar questions in reality. George’s ability to connect dystopian fiction with contemporary concerns shows sophisticated understanding of storytelling’s social function. Her work contributes to the growing movement of Black women directors expanding representation across all genres.
“I am excited as we are still only at the beginning of this new revolution,” George stated optimistically. She plans to remain part of the movement by staying committed to her community’s progression through filmmaking. Her debut proves that the next generation of Black women directors is ready to lead cinema forward.