Meet Karma Bridges | Film Producer, Cinematographer, and Actress

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

Hi Karma, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks is essential for realizing one’s most ambitious dreams. One of the most transformative moments in my life occurred when I decided to apply for a program called Semester Cinema. Semester Cinema is a semester-long study away program that chooses up to 35 film students from colleges and universities nationwide to work on a feature length film in Nantucket Island. Before applying, I knew nothing about Nantucket island. It was my sophomore year of college and my first semester living on Spelman’s campus because my entire freshman year was online (due to COVID). Despite reservations about being far from home, missing an entire college semester from a campus I was just beginning to know, and questioning my chances of acceptance, my passion for storytelling and the prospect of working on a feature film captivated me. The idea of dedicating an entire semester to doing what I love made my heart smile, so I took the risk and applied. In hindsight, I am immensely grateful for that decision, as it led to my acceptance into the program and an experience in Nantucket that surpassed my expectations. This opportunity not only enriched my understanding of filmmaking but also instilled in me the confidence to then return to Spelman and produce short films. This is one of the experiences that help to remind me of the significant role that risk taking plays in my life. If I had not ventured into applying for the Semester Cinema program, I would not be in the position I am today. Sometimes it feels good to remind myself that my dream only instills a sense of fear because dreams are meant to be ambitious. It is scary to go after something you want so bad, but I believe that as long as we continue to take healthy risks and fight through our fears, we are sure to succeed in accomplishing our wildest dreams.

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.
Hi! My name is Karma Bridges and I am a senior documentary filmmaking major from Atlanta, Ga currently studying at Spelman College. I like to say my superpower is my ability to listen to diverse voices and tell authentic stories that need to be heard. My dream is to work as a film producer on feature length films to showcase unique stories and bring new voices to the screen. I am most proud of the risks I’ve embraced and the impact I’ve made within the arts community in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). In my Sophomore year, I was selected to represent Spelman through the Semester Cinema Program in Nantucket Island and worked as a 2nd AC on the upcoming feature length film, Lost Nation. In my junior year, I became a founding member of the Elevator Creative LLC. which is a collective, multidimensional agency that provides support, mentorship, and promotion to established and aspiring content creators (i.e., musicians, artists, photographers, promoters, graphic designers, and models.). There are five different departments. I am the Senior Vice President of the Visual Arts and Multimedia Department. Within my junior and senior year, I produced three short films and was also the cinematographer on one of those films.
Acting is what really led me into my love for storytelling. I started as a musical theater kid acting in productions such as Alice in Wonderland and Charlottes Web. In highschool, I spent my summers training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. My tenacity and love for acting landed me roles in commercials, short films, and plays. I starred in the upcoming feature length film, Lost Nation as Drucilla Prince. You can also see me as Elizabeth in the short film, “Colt 45” and “Sharpie”. I am now playing the role of Sydney in the upcoming short film “Three Wrongs and Mrs. Right”.

One of the projects I am most well known for is the Netflix Series Karma’s World. In elementary school, I created an educational website entitled Karma’s World in which I was the face. I am now the inspiration behind the animated Netflix series Karma’s World which is produced by my dad and is now in its fourth Season.

Looking back at how far I’ve come, I am very proud of myself, but I know there is still so much I hope to accomplish. I am beyond thankful for all of the opportunities that I have said “YES” to. I wouldn’t say that my journey thus far has come easy because there were several challenges along the way. I will say that I feel as though everything happens for a reason. When I move with intention, I always feel one step closer to reaching my next goal. The more artistic work I do, the more people I meet who want me to be a part of their team. I overcome my challenges by keeping faith in God and trusting the path he has written out for me. I have learned that not every opportunity aligns with my journey. When one door closes, it signals the anticipation of another ready to swing open. If I’ve learned any lessons throughout my journey, it’s to never give up on yourself. It hurts when you fail and don’t receive certain opportunities that you may have fought so hard for, but there are always several more opportunities with your name on it for those willing to persistently pursue them!
I’d like the world to understand that I am someone with fears and grand aspirations. Pursuing my dreams despite my fear of failure is to me one of the most empowering actions I can take as an artist and human. I thank God for giving me the bravery to continue on the path he has for me. My faith in God as well as the unwavering support of my family, has been the cornerstone of my achievements thus far and will undoubtedly propel me toward greater heights in the future.

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?
The first place I would take my best friend is to Colony Square specifically to Pretty Little Taco for some birria tacos and to Unbelibubble for some boba tea! I love Colony Square because there are so many different food and drink options and we could go see a movie at the IPIC Theaters afterwards!! Throughout the week we would most definitely have to also visit Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station (movies, shopping, and bowling!), Shops of Buckhead, Top Golf, Krog Street Market, Centennial Park at night for the Skyview Atlanta and we would have to walk the belt line. I LOVE a good brunch so I would give her the options of going to any of these restaurants!!!: The Garden Room, Breakfast at Barney’s, Cultivate Food and Coffee, or Murphy’s! (Also good dinner). For lunch or dinner we would have to hit these restaurants: Debar, Yebo, Bar Taco, Fritti, Le Bilboquet, Le Colonial, Fogo De Chao, South City kitchen, and then for the last night The Sun Dial Restaurant because what a beautiful view! For Desert she would have to try Jeni’s Ice cream and Café Intermezzo! For a nice night vibe and drinks on the weekend I love Spaceman and the roof of Ponce City Market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people worth recognizing in my life but the most significant shoutout deserving credit and recognition in my story is undoubtedly my parents. Both my mom and dad have played an indescribable role in fostering the confidence and passion that drive me to pursue my dreams. I am so grateful to have parents who wholeheartedly support my artistic aspirations and genuinely want to witness my success.

Website: https://theelevatorcreative.com

Instagram: Username: Karma.Christine https://www.instagram.com/karma.christine/?hl=en

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/karma-bridges

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karmasworldhq?lang=en

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

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheElevatorCreative

Image Credits
Karma Bridges, Peter B. Samuels, Getty Images, Braeden Short, Auriyana Armour, Kevin Washington Jr., Kyra Fernandez.