Meet Devin Parris | Filmmaker & Activist

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

Hi Devin, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Though I have faced many challenges in my career and personal life, one belief always stands true: I will not have any regrets in my life because every decision I have made and everything I have gone through has led me to where I am today. I know that if I made different decisions in my past I could have avoided a lot of hardship and heartache, but I am grateful for every trial and tribulation I have faced because it has made me stronger.

The obstacles I have overcome have prepared me for a future much tougher, but much brighter ahead. Whenever I am in the midst of a storm and I feel broken, disrespected, or dejected, I remind myself that what I am going through will only make me better for my future. Be grateful amid your storm, if you can weather it, you can overcome anything. I love to remind myself to be grateful during my hard times because it helps give me the strength and determination to face another day. Every challenge is an opportunity to get better and beat the next one to come.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It is said that “art is an interpretation of life”. My art is an interpretation of my life, and the lives I have had the pleasure of interacting with. What makes my art near and dear to me is my never-ending search for truth. As a lover of documentaries, I thrive in projects where I can connect my life or the lives of people I have met to the story I’m working on.

When getting my start in the film industry, I always wondered “Where do I fit?”. I had a background in fashion, music, and acting, but I didn’t know what position or vision best aligned with my beliefs and talents. It wasn’t until I produced a project under my university, where we made a documentary to commemorate the 200th birthday of the city of Decatur, that I realized where I fit. The most rewarding part of working on that project was the connections made with the people we interviewed. By the end of the project, I knew more about the city of Decatur than the city I grew up in! It was a whirlwind experience that opened my eyes to the “truth” of storytelling.

Storytelling cannot be 100% truthful due to the various sides of every story. As a creative, I try to search for the closest thing I can find to the truth, even if I don’t understand it or agree with it. Every perspective is valuable, every viewpoint is important, and every voice should be heard, even if we don’t agree.

It is not easy to be a young black woman in a world filled with a multitude of prejudices, paradigms, and opinions. I have had instances where my skills and abilities were doubted based solely on my looks or age. I have been put down more times than I can count. I have been let down by people I thought would stand beside me, but even alone I still get back up. Even alone, I stand tall. If people do not believe in me, I choose to think it is simply because they don’t know me. They do not know what I’m capable of. If people put me down, I thank them because they just created an opportunity for me to grow even stronger. Not everyone has bad intentions when they hurt us, but we always have the choice of using those experiences to create something beautiful from an ugly situation. We can grow to judge people less and choose to listen/learn more. It is not easy, but it is what shifts competition to community.

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.
When I first moved to Atlanta, I wasn’t prepared for the never-ending festivals, various pop-up events, and the inescapable presence of art. Whenever my friends or family come to visit the city, I always have to show them the things that comfort me the most in Atlanta.

The first place I found solace in when moving to Atlanta was the High Museum of Art. From thought-provoking pieces like Dial Thornton’s Crossing Waters to interactive pieces like Anish Kapoor’s Untitled reflective work, the museum offers vast experiences including jazz nights and yoga sessions.

Another place I frequent in Atlanta is Atlantic Station. The complex has a variety of restaurants, activities, and clothing stores. Not only is Atlantic Station a home for many businesses, but it also opens its doors to small businesses with pop-up events where small business owners showcase their talents.

If my friends and I are looking for a fun night out with a desire to stay at one location with multiple options, I usually recommend The Underground. Every first Friday of the month, The Underground hosts an event where musicians, painters, poets, and more present their work. The Underground has food trucks, good music, and games. It is always a night to remember when I attend.

I am incredibly grateful to the artistic community Atlanta cultivates and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my mother. She has shown me what true strength and determination look like. I am forever grateful that my mother never gave up her fight to be with me and my family. Her actions taught me to never give up on my fight for anything I believe in.

I want to thank my friends and all of the wonderfully talented female creators I have met since joining the artistic realm in Atlanta, especially my work wife who pushes me to be greater by simply being amazing herself. I would like to thank the beautiful people of color who have taught me that my voice matters and that who I am, how I look, and how I live is something to be celebrated. The wonderful creatives that I have had the honor of meeting have taught me that we are brilliant, beautiful, and breaking down barriers for many to come.

Lastly, a man who definitely deserves credit for my success is my late grandfather. Without his courage to be creative and combine his love for activism and art, I would have never been able to dream up the creations I bring to life. I am grateful for the spark I hold in me to carry on his legacy, and to create a world filled with art, love, and community.

Website: https://realityresetproductions.com

Instagram: @realityresetproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-parris

Image Credits
Tyler Buffaloe
Melina Velleman
QualityLenz
Jesse Yohanes