A local filmmaker has been named one of ten semifinalists in the inaugural National Film Lab for Racial Healing, a competition hosted by the J.P. Carter Foundation that attracted more than 50 entries from across the United States.
Filmmaker Simone Harris is now turning to her hometown of Riverton for support to bring her project to life.
Harris’s short film, “A Last Family Portrait,” is a ten-minute narrative exploring themes of family, memory, and legacy. The story centers on a grandmother who, following her husband’s death, gathers her family for a final photograph to preserve their bond.
“Grandmother wants to take one meaningful picture while she’s still here, after losing her husband. The entire family comes together at her house, and in the end, they capture that one photo to remember,” Harris explained.
To move forward in the competition, Harris must raise $6,000 to cover expenses including crew, equipment, post-production, music licensing, and travel. The top five finalists will each receive a $10,000 prize and an invitation to premiere their films in Chicago this June. So far, Harris has secured $200 toward her fundraising goal.
The project is a true family collaboration. Script readings are scheduled to begin this week, with Harris’s own mother, niece, cousin, and other relatives joining the cast. Filming is set to take place at her uncle’s home in southern Pine County.
“My mom was hesitant at first, but then some of the family started asking, ‘Where are my lines? I want lines,’” Harris recounted.
Harris has no formal film school training, instead working her way up from production assistant to producer through hands-on experience.
According to J.P. Carter Foundation Communications Officer Olivia Martin, the Film Lab was designed for stories like Harris’s.
“We want people to see themselves in these films and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of their communities,” Martin said.
Harris believes that Riverton and the surrounding region have always contributed to conversations about racial healing but have needed more opportunities to share those stories.
“We can’t trace our roots back for generations because that history was taken from us through racism. I feel it’s important to keep building on what we have and make sure that connection isn’t lost again,” Harris said.
Outside of the competition, Harris founded Creative Hub Riverton to support local artists and prevent creative talent from leaving the area.
“There’s been a trend of artists moving away from Riverton. I wanted to create a space where people felt they could stay, or at least have the choice,” Harris said.
In addition, Harris is debuting “Harvested Seeds,” an art installation she co-created with five other local artists. The exhibit runs Wednesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., until April 7 at Creative Hub Riverton.
