Ep #87 : Crafting Narratives: Insights from Filmmaker Kristina Thomas

Summary of the episode

This episode of noseyAF dives into the vibrant and multifaceted world of filmmaking through an engaging conversation with Kristina Thomas, a writer and director whose path in the industry is marked by resilience, creativity, and remarkable achievements. From her beginnings in East Oakland to her work in television and independent cinema, Kristina shares her journey with authenticity and humor.

We explore her trajectory from aspiring youth attorney to filmmaker, how her legal background shaped her narrative voice, and the role of mentorship and community in sustaining an artistic career. Kristina opens up about navigating the challenges of the industry—pandemic disruptions, the writers' strike, and the evolving digital landscape—while continuing to inspire and uplift emerging voices.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or creative of any kind, this episode offers insight, motivation, and an invitation to embrace your own unique story.

Chapters

• 00:07 - Introduction to Kristina Thomas

• 01:24 - Exploring the Journey of Filmmaking

• 09:29 - The Importance of Kindness on Set

• 14:27 - Growing Up in East Oakland

• 23:58 - The Journey to Filmmaking

• 28:25 - The Influence of Akira Kurosawa on Filmmaking

• 32:44 - Reflections on Mentorship and Loss

• 40:00 - The Evolution of Indie Filmmaking

• 43:21 - The Journey of a Filmmaker

• 51:06 - Transitioning Careers in the Arts

• 56:09 - The Importance of Storytelling in the Digital Age

What we talk about

• Growing up in East Oakland and the early spark of storytelling
• Transitioning from music to filmmaking and nearly signing with Def Jam Records
• The influence of Akira Kurosawa on her creative lens
• Navigating mentorship, mentorship loss, and the power of guidance
• Indie filmmaking today vs. then
• The role of storytelling in the digital age

Things We Mentioned

• Akira Kurosawa Films
• Film Independent Project Involve

All about Kristina Thomas

You’re gonna love Kristina Thomas—she’s a filmmaker, writer, and educator who blends creativity, intellect, and vision to push the boundaries of storytelling.

Kristina Thomas was born in East Oakland, California, and has emerged as a rising talent in film and television. She first made her mark in the documentary world by winning a $50,000 contest to direct a compelling TV pilot in New Orleans for MTV/Endemol. From there, she transitioned into scripted storytelling, working as a script coordinator on acclaimed series including Greenleaf, Lovecraft Country, and The Haunting of Bly Manor (S2).

Her feature script Worth It has gained recognition as a semi-finalist in competitions such as Women in Film/The Black List and BET's Project Cre8 Feature. She is actively developing the project while also teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting at DePaul University.

Kristina’s short-form work has also made a strong impact. Her comedy short House of Balls earned lead actress Mariah Robinson Best Actress at the Alt Film Festival, along with Best Actor recognition, and was named a semi-finalist in BET’s Project Cre8: TV and the Hollyshorts Festival. The concept short for Worth It screened at festivals including the Toronto Black Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award–qualifying) and earned an honorable mention at Lady Filmmakers Festival. Most recently, her Film Independent Project Involve short Saving All My Love screened at the BronzeLens Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the BraveMaker Film Festival.

Beyond the screen, Kristina has served as a story consultant on two NAACP Award–winning scripted comedy podcasts, Yes We Cannabis and Stranded for Broadway Video. She is an alum of the Women in Film Mentorship Program for directors, Amy Aniobi’s TRIBE, and Film Independent’s Project Involve Fellowship as a directing fellow. Her television writing career includes staff positions on J.J. Abrams’ HBO series Demimonde and Dick Wolf’s CBS drama FBI: International.

A proud alumna of both Howard University and the University of Southern California, Kristina continues to inspire by weaving community, culture, and mentorship into her storytelling.

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour

Welcome to Artist Admin Hour—where artists, filmmakers, cultural stewards, and soft-life strategists come to handle business like the creative kingpins we are. This weekly co-working ritual is where your admin to-do list meets your soft life era. Think invoices sent, budgets updated, grant apps finished, receipts wrangled—all with community, structure, and glam.

Whether it’s organizing your desktop, applying for that damn residency, or taming your inbox, Artist Admin Hour is where we stop doing admin alone and start getting it done—together.

✨ Behind every bold vision? A spreadsheet. Behind every dreamy exhibition? A budget that actually makes sense. Admin is the flex. ✨

Join us Wednesdays 7–9 PM CST or the 1st Saturday of each month for Studio Clean-Up 🧹. Pajamas welcome, champagne optional.

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Connect with Kristina Thomas

• Instagram: @itskristinathomas
• Website: www.kristinareneethomas.com
• The White Robe Stories @whiterobestories

• Check out my work
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Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Ad Beat: Aubrey Modium

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam