In the heart of the bustling film scene of New York City, one aspiring filmmaker is poised to make waves and redefine black success in the industry. Meet Romone Phoenix, a 23-year-old Jamaican native whose passion for storytelling knows no bounds.
Studying in the United States, Phoenix is carving out his path at City University of New York, Queens College, where he is pursuing a BA in Film Studies and a minor in Advertising.
An unconventional career path?
But Phoenix’s trajectory into the world of production was not a predictable one.
It began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple suggestion from his mother after attending a new church.
“She asked me if I’d like to do what the man was doing on the camera. Immediately I said no. The second week came and she brought it up again and I realized that she wouldn’t stop until I at least inquired about working with the department in charge of the camera and streaming,” he recalled.
Despite initial disinterest, Phoenix found himself inexplicably drawn to the realm of camera operation, a passion that would soon become the driving force behind his creative journey.
What started as a reluctant inquiry soon blossomed into a profound passion for production, nurtured by the guidance of the church’s communication leaders.
From science to filmmaking: A transformative journey
From a background in biomedical engineering to a leap into marketing in 2021, Phoenix’s transformative journey is marked by daring decisions and unwavering determination.
“I decided drastically to switch my major to a marketing major which was one of the most impulsive but worthwhile decisions I’ve made. A lot was gained and a lot was lost personally. While I exited Engineering with a great GPA I entered marketing with nothing due to my majors having no commonality among them,” he said.
Despite facing challenges in the business field, he emerged with invaluable insights into production, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in media.
“Because of this, I decided to study film studies when I moved to the United States of America,” he said.
I wanted to study in New York as I believe that’s the place where creators and filmmakers expand and enhance their skills, and I want to do the same,” he added.
Embracing Jamaican roots in filmmaking
Rooted in his Jamaican heritage, Phoenix’s creative vision is deeply influenced by the vibrant culture and natural beauty of his homeland.
While he is yet to integrate Jamaica into his films, his passion for videography and fashion photography reflects his desire to capture the essence of Caribbean life through vivid imagery and Afrocentric art.
Aspirations and inspirations
He expressed his intention to inspire others through his filmmaking endeavors, drawing inspiration from influential figures such as Malcolm X while refining his craft by studying the works of cinematic trailblazers like Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler.
With aspirations to craft empowering narratives and celebrate black culture on screen, he is dedicated to creating emotionally resonant experiences that bring communities together.
Crafting empowering narratives
While Black History Month comes to a close, Phoenix remains committed to understanding and honoring Marcus Garvey, one of Jamaica’s national heroes.
“I’ve been listening and reading a lot of what he stood for to truly understand him and so I don’t deliver the wrong message to whoever watches the short film,” he said.
Through meticulous research and dedication to authenticity, he aims to ensure that the stories of black excellence are told with integrity and respect.
A vision for the future
Through cinematography and filmmaking, Phoenix endeavors to create emotionally resonant experiences that bring people together, specifically those of the black community.
For Phoenix, filmmaking is more than just a career—it is a platform for empowerment and a catalyst for change.
With a clear vision for the future, he hopes to leave an indelible mark on the industry, one powerful story at a time.
