Meet Alexandrina André: Director, Writer, Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandrina André and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandrina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I became a filmmaker because it’s apart of my life’s purpose. I’ve loved making art from a young age because it’s a way for me to express myself through film, writing, acting, etc. I realized that many people, including myself, would get influenced by films and tv shows they watched, and I wanted to have that same influence. I communicate with the world through my films. I want people who watch my movies to see a story that they’re not used to seeing, something that could add color, and inspire them the same way I get when I watch an Ava DuVernay film. Being creative is a powerful gift, but it isn’t always easy. I have gotten some flak for some of the topics that I tackle in film, one man even called one of my stories “propaganda” but that doesn’t stop me. Movies and art aren’t always flowers and rainbows it can also be uncomfortable and disturbing. Like Bansky states, ” Art should comfort the disturb and disturb the comfortable.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other filmmakers is that I am the type of person inspired by everything. I get inspired by art, theatre, fashion, biology, plants, etc. I can also act, write, and dance, so I know how it feels on both sides. I recently finished directing my first feature documentary, One Life to Blossom that follows the life of black transgender activist and entertainer Blossom C. Brown while undergoing her dream of getting face feminization surgery. The documentary is currently going through the festival circuit and will have a worldwide premiere at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival. It will be available online later this year. I am very excited for more people to see it and I am very proud of this film because it changed my life. I got where I am professionally after film school. I was lucky enough to have a job working on a film set after graduating. I also worked as an assistant and did rewrites for screenwriters. After a couple of years of working, I realized that I was unhappy because I was not doing what I came to Los Angeles to do, be a filmmaker. I had met people in the industry who were in the same situation, that came to Los Angeles and found jobs doing something they did not initially want. I did not want that to happen to me. I made a big jump and decided to leave my industry jobs and start working on my first solo project. It was not easy because I did not know how to make a movie in L.A., I was starting from the bottom, I decided to take a filmmaking class at LACC with Joni Varner, and she taught me so much about how to make movies in L.A. on a budget. I ended up meeting Blossom at a photo shoot, and the rest is history. One of the lessons I have learned is to put yourself out there. You might fall, but get back up and try again. Also, do not just wait for someone to give you an opportunity, you have to go for it, and then things will start to fall in line. My biggest advice for people who want to direct a film is to make something, anything. If you have a smartphone, use your phone, get filmic pro, and use a lamp for light. It might not look amazing, but at least your starting. If you have a story to tell, tell your story! I want the world to know that I am a strong black woman. You might think, Why is that important to know? Because within those words is the definition of my story. I am a woman, I am black, and I am strong.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite COVID friendly thing to do with friends in L.A. is first taking a hike at Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign. Then head down to Echopark for lunch at Monty’s burgers! The next day we’re hanging out in K town and grabbing lunch and getting vegan hotdogs at Earle’s in Crenshaw! Then go to the beach in Santa Monica and see the Santa Monica boardwalk. And then probably spend the rest of the week shopping! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to use my shoutout to my mother because I wouldn’t be here without her. I went through a lot of bullying in school, and through all my tears and wanting to give up, she would always encourage me to stay focus and keep going. When I came to Los Angeles, she supported me and even drove with me. She has been there for me through everything.

Website: https://freethework.com/profile/fMfZjd7GShEBIxJ170nB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrina.andre/

Twitter: @blossom_trans

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandrina.andre/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuJKY9omqTKBciQwI9b4yQg

Other: http://www.bfallegiance.com/directory/alexandrina-andre

Image Credits
Luis Burgos