Jazmin Jones and Olivia McKayla Ross are the creative minds behind the documentary, Seeking Mavis Beacon. The feature, which premiered at Sundance 2024, investigates the disappearance and reexamines the legacy of one of the most influential Black women in technology. The documentary also explores topics like ethics, consent, and having a healthy relationship with technology. 

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Director Jazmin Jones and Associate Producer Olivia McKayla Ross, to discuss:

How Jazmin and Olivia met and started working together

The benefit of not having a film career before making the project

Why the investigation itself was the priority over the film 

How they built the digital world of the film

Consent - how it became part of the narrative

Community organizing versus filmmaking

How street photography taught Jazmin about the importance of consent

The power of using search engines 

How they created a safe, beautiful space in their headquarters

Asking for what you need and what you want

Why you should follow your instincts 

The magical experience of seeing other people react to the film

Memorable Quotes

“More than using the language of the film industry, we were using the language of collective organizing.” [7:15]

“In community organizing, you’re thinking of the long-term impacts of the things you are doing.” [13:20]

“The longer it takes you to ask for the thing you suspect you might need, the more it costs you.” [27:25]

“Having a room of people laugh at my dad’s dad jokes is like the best thing in the world.” [30:16]

Mentioned:

Seeking Mavis Beacon

Follow Jazmin on IG

Follow Olivia on IG 

Unpacking the Ethical Minefield of Docs with the Team Behind ‘Subject’

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