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

Hi Lande, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When we started Black Film Space, we just wanted to orchestrate togethers with other Black Filmmakers in New York City. We didn’t realize the demand would be so high, it organically took off very quickly. Now we reach filmmakers not only all over the country, but all over the world. It’s pretty exciting and incredible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Black Film Space a non profit organization that has programming focused on education, community building and pipeline initiatives.

What sets us apart is that we tend to support early to mid career professionals AND established professionals. We help creatives at all levels feel seen, heard and validated. Our peers always say, “you guys are about the craft” and “I really feel welcome”. Filmmaking can be so intimidating, so it’s really beautiful to get that kind of feedback.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Aside from the typical things like going to the Hollywood sign, going hiking, etc…Los Angeles low key has a lot of good spots to eat for Black creatives, and across the ethnic spectrum. I love Harold and Belles for Cajun, Soul Fixins for soul food, Veronica’s for African and Ackee Bamboo for carribean. So amazing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We want to recognize our members. They are the reason why we continue to exist in the midst of much industry turmoil. We are doing our best to support their pursuits of being independent filmmakers, and their engagement with our programming reminds us that the hard work and sacrifices are worthwhile.

Website: https://www.blackfilmspace.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-film-space

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackFilmSpace

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/blackfilmspace

Other: Here are the links for the websites of the founders:

www.onescribemedia.com, www.instagram.com/LandeYoosuf, www.linked.com/in/LandeYoosuf

https://www.reggiewillwrite.com, https://www.instagram.com/reggiewillwrite, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiewill/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.