“Documenting the terror and triumphs of growing up as a Black girl in Detroit.”
Renowned filmmaker Tameka Citchen Spruce proudly presents her latest masterpiece, “My Girl Story.” The film, eight years in the making, debuts on Tubi and Amazon Prime. The streaming platforms are home to a diverse range of movies, and ‘My Girl Story” fits perfectly as a poignant and compelling documentary that delves into the intricacies of friendship, love, violence, fear, and grief. The story is told through the lens of two inner-city teens, Monay and Shokana. “Kids are getting raped, shot, and sometimes it makes kids think we could die any day.” says the costars.
The film has already garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit, and now audiences worldwide will have the opportunity to experience its emotional power for themselves. “My Girl Story” is a must-see for anyone who has ever valued the resilience of the human spirit. “It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll,” says Tameka
A graduate of Oakland University, director and screenwriter Citchen-Spruce brings new insight to these troubling times. As a champion for marginalized groups. “I specialize in advocating, educating, and telling stories of race, gender, or disability,” says Tameka. Founder of Be Influential Films, Tamkea takes her directorial gift seriously. “God has a purpose for your life,” recalls Citchens-Spruce, who says her mother often encouraged her with those words. Tameka’s passion for underrepresented groups comes from her own story. As a 6-month-old child with the world before her, she was paralyzed from the waist down during a terrible car accident. Many would have given up with this dire diagnosis but supported by her family, Tameka grew in strength and influence through her films.
This sought-after speaker, trainer, and mediator with a heart of gold spent many years working through her struggles, but in recent years, she found her purpose and now speaks on platforms worldwide. Winner of the 2006 Ms. Wheelchair MI competition, she went on to find her place in the sun. Despite being in a wheelchair for decades, she found freedom in storytelling. Today, Tameka moves with an almost supernatural ability to give voice to the voiceless through the power of her lens.
In “My Girl Story,” she chronicles the journeys of these teens as they navigate the trials of becoming young women on the hard streets of The D. The women fight depression, fear, and violence daily. The camera follows each young lady giving the viewer a front-row seat into a year of their lives. The camera picks up every setback, success, hurdle, and hooray as they maneuver through adulthood. Tameka pulls on her own family stories to spotlight the tragic circumstances surrounding girls in the inner city.
The trailer opens with a shocking scene of violence between two teenage girls, which is a scene that is all too common on campuses across the country. 8 in 10 Black teen girls fear going to school because of bullying, harassment, and violence. Statista reports that 1 in 3 Black girls have been physically assaulted, adding 15 % of the time, the offense occurs on school campuses. Tameka’s piece brings this homegrown terror out into the open, and with the rise in post-pandemic incidents, there has never been a better time to explore this topic. In fact, “the National Center for Education Statistics survey revealed that 46 percent of schools saw a rise in fighting and threats between students.”
As brawls become commonplace fodder for social media junkies, Tameka delves into the why behind these fights. The mother of two and seasoned filmmaker explores the pain and repercussions of these attacks, which Tik Tok challenges have diluted. Their stories serve as a reminder of the significance of genuine camaraderie and the resilience that arises from supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Citchen-Spruce’s thoughtful and empathetic approach to storytelling is evident in every aspect of “My Girl Story.” The film was the Official Selection of The Fearless Tribe of Fanatic Filmmakers and the Detroit Women of Color International Film Festival. Her expertise in capturing the essence of her subjects and conveying their experiences with candor and authenticity highlights her exceptional cinematic abilities. The film has the backing of community activists and parents throughout the Motor City. Now, audiences worldwide will be able to witness its emotional impact firsthand.
For more information, contact Tameka at tameka@tamekacitchenspruce.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Filmmaker Tameka Citchen Spruce
Contact Person: Pam Perry PR
Email: Send Email
Phone: (248) 690-6810
City: Detroit
State: MI
Country: United States
Website: https://www.pamperrypr.com
