Meet Carona Davis-Diop | Author & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carona Davis-Diop and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carona, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision that I’ve ever had to make was becoming a filmmaker. I say this because it took me becoming physically ill before I changed my life. This would include the way that I treated myself mentally, physically and spiritually. Because of this, I actually feel more stable, healthier and the clearest that I have ever been on the decisions that I have made in relation to becoming a part of the indie film industry.

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.
As an artist with several different ways of expression, I tend to have more avenues to do so than most. I’m an author, filmmaker, screenwriter and editor – n – chief of Split Screen Magazine, which I created earlier this year. I’m also very big on mentoring, teaching and hands on experiences on the job. Not only do I want my cast and crew to be knowledgeable in front of/behind the camera I also want them to know about the business aspect as well. A business owner is only as strong as their team members and I want my team to be ready for anything. It’s ultimately about growing as a unit.

Persistence, and a new insatiable thirst to create and grow while assisting others on the same journey, has gotten me this far so quickly. My mother would ask my siblings and I a question whenever we found ourselves bumping our heads against life’s walls and that question was “Are you tired yet?” In other words she was asking us, when will you stop bumping your head and change your path? After so many years I finally took her advice and I am the happiest that I have ever been in my life. I am happy with who I am as a person and I love what I’m building. We have to stop knocking ourselves down and placing limits on our lives. There are so many stories to be told and I just want to be part of a platform that assists in getting them out there.

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.
Being from New York City and exposed to so many cultural foods, I would definitely deem myself a foodie. I would take my guest to some of the best restaurants that I’ve visited in the ATL. My favorite dessert spot is Piece of Cake Inc. located in Atlanta not far from the Cumberland Mall which is a cool place to go also. With a new baseball stadium recently added it is surly to be an entertainment Mecca. As for the more savory… My favorite place to eat is Marietta Diner which is just minutes from the mall. They have large servings and the food is great. You can definitely go home with a doggie.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shot out to my husband Jawanza Diop, who has unconditionally supported my dreams to become a filmmaker and author. The advice, ideas and overall support that I have received from my family is miraculous to say the least. Support is one of the most important pillars in one’s life when they are trying to change or fulfill their life’s goals. I would also like to thank my team members and mentors Barbara Cannell, Rich Henkels, Godfrey J. Rayner, Anne Schmalzigan, Shondranette Boykins, Mustapa Boykins, Ellen Kurz and Anthony Tucker.

Website: www.caronadavisdiop.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carona-davis-diop-14670411/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCciF0EzCaXGPcC8pzU2ZF8g

Other: Split Screen Magazine https://issuu.com/dioppublishing/docs/split_screen_magazine_april_2021

Image Credits
Photos by Ellen Walker Kurz