Rachel Johnson

"Fast"
Artistic Discipline: Film/Video
Category: Brooklyn Arts Fund
Grant Year: 2022
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Rachel Johnson is an award-winning filmmaker born and based in Brooklyn, New York. Rachel’s films often feature unforgettable characters with equally compelling stories. She’s committed to using film to visually mine and unearth the deeper layers of emotion and create impactful imagery showcasing memorable truths. “Fast” tells the story of Tatiana, a sharp girl and the leader of the pack, who meets up with her friends in the park to jump rope. When they encounter a neighborhood menace, Tatiana must find a way for them to overcome it. This short film explores Black girlhood, highlighting the positive youth development that the double dutch sport brings to the Black American community, especially young girls. Moreover, it also sheds light on the concerning factors that young children have to face in times of play. Furthermore, this film examines the impact of vernacular and aspects of Black American culture to incite critical and timely conversations. Filmmaker Rachel Johnson will host a work in progress screening for the Brooklyn community and offer an inside view into the making of the film. Audiences will critically access, analyze, and understand the nuances of filmmaking and specificity of story within the Black American community.