Meet Jasmine Ogunjimi: Screenwriter/Filmmaker

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

Hi Jasmine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has gotten me outside of my comfort zone, challenged me to expect greater of myself and has stretched me past the limits I thought I had. All of those things have gotten me where I am today, which despite what I may try and convince myself of, is exactly where I need to be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe I was put on earth to be a storyteller, and if telling stories is the gift God gave me and the avenue in which my legacy will withstand time, I wanna tell good ones! I’m dedicated to telling grounded relatable “dramedies” rooted in faith based beliefs that center the intersectionalities of women, social institutions and the authentic Black/African experiences. All of those things make up my own identity and the identity of the communities I’m extremely passionate about. In their own unique ways, these passions have gotten me where I am today . And although I’m a long ways from where I want to be, I’m enjoying every second of the journey.

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.
Here’s a list of thing’s I’d do with a friend that comes to town! Monday – Spend the morning at Norman Houston park to enjoy the morning breeze, and a workout under the sun and the evening having dinner at Mamma Shelter rooftop restaurant with great food and hand crafted blankets! Tuesday – Next, I’d do an “Insecure Day” inspired by my favorite Emmy award winning TV Writer/Actress Issa Rae’s TV show. Visiting Hilltop Coffee shop in Inglewood, founded by Rae is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon, followed by a walk around Lemeirt Park, checking out art and shops by Black creatives. Then I’d eat a late brunch at Pann’s Diner (a popular film location for the TV show, which also happens to have amazing food in real life. ) Then I’d end the day by snapping cool photos in front of “The Dunes,” another legendary film location from the show that served as the character Issa’s fictional apartment. Wednesday – Grand Central Market or The Grove’s Farmers Market would make a great stop for any meal of the day. Thursday – Aduke’s or Veronica’s Kitchen are great choices for top tier authentic Nigerian cuisine and would make a perfect dinner choice! Friday – Go for a drive to Joshua Tree National park. Though in the middle of a dry dessert, Joshua Tree is a peaceful near city getaway and a cool opportunity to rock climb and hike beautiful mountains underneath a sunset! Saturday – Mid morning hike at Griffith Park Observatory, to see both the iconic Hollywood sign and a beautiful view of downtown and the Hollywood Hills. Sunday – Church! I’m a member of a church community called Project 18:20. We meet and stream Transformation Church together and debrief the sermon afterwards. Then I’d end my Sunday with some food and good vibes, playing basketball on the courts at Venice Beach. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God being my foundation is always my first and foremost answer. My family, and closest friends also helped me become who I am today and they know exactly who they are. Outside of that, a best selling book by the legendary TV Writer Shonda Rhimes entitled “The Year of Yes,” has been one of the most inspirational books to date on this very topic. The premise challenged readers to go one full year saying “yes” to anything that scared them with the expectation that readers would finish the year with the mentality that fear never stops them from becoming their best selves!

Website: https://www.rebelafrica.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizz_jazz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-ogunjimi-1b9193129/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaz_imani

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmine.ogunjimi

Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-59-young-gifted-transitioning/id1466412430?i=1000442494454