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Through the Lens
with Allana De'Nai
melanin muse® & Kiana Smith
March 27, 2024
Our Cover Muse™: Allana De’Nai, Writer, Director, Actress, Founder of Mahogany Films Productions, and So Much More
Through the lens of creativity and determination, meet Allana De’Nai, a creative powerhouse spanning writing, directing, acting, and more. Originally from Texas, she now thrives in Los Angeles where she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. Her debut film, “Mahogany” (2022), stands as a testament to her versatility and a way to carve out her own path in an industry often resistant to newcomers. Not only did Allana write and direct the film, she also takes the lead role. Since its release, “Mahogany” has earned global acclaim, including the Best Indie Feature Film award at the Five Continents International Film Festival. Allana unveils the passion and dedication behind "Mahogany," detailing her emergence as a rising star with unwavering determination and storytelling finesse in the world of filmmaking.
Allana De’Nai, Founder of Mahogany Films Productions
Allana:
My overall vision for 'Mahogany' was to tell a relatable coming-of-age story with a meaningful message, for the youth. Drawing inspiration from movies like 'Boyz n the Hood' and 'Friday.' During my third attempt at filming, things felt much smoother compared to the first two tries. I had learned from past mistakes, took better care of my team, and approached the project with more confidence. Despite the challenges inherent in filmmaking, the experience became easier with each attempt, allowing me to bring my vision to life in a more satisfying way.
As a writer, I went through several revisions before settling on "Mahogany." Originally, the film was titled "Mind over Matter" and focused on the theme of making good choices. However, I found this concept somewhat dull, so I went back to the drawing board multiple times. It wasn't until I spent a semester teaching 8th-grade English to at-risk youth that the idea for "Mahogany" truly took shape. Witnessing the daily challenges faced by these students and observing how their immediate decisions could impact their future profoundly influenced the direction of the film. Thus, "Mahogany" was born out of my experiences with these students and the realization of the importance of choices in shaping one's life trajectory.
Stay true to your artistic vision and never underestimate the power of taking that first step towards your dreams.
On and Off the Reel
Talk about your experiences on and off the screen.
Allana: |  Allana on set of “Mahogany” with Video Creator Aaron “Awrap” |
Acting, too, has been a passion of mine since the beginning. I started in theatre before transitioning to commercial acting. As I delved deeper into the industry, I found myself gravitating towards independent film sets, where I discovered a newfound joy in bringing my own stories to life. Through working on projects like "Mahogany," I quickly learned that filmmaking is a multifaceted craft requiring more than just creative vision.
I've been fortunate to work on a variety of film sets, ranging from large productions to smaller indie films. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to act alongside talented individuals like Denzel Whitaker, Omar Gooding, and Carl Anthony Payne II. Some of the movies I've starred in, which are now available on platforms like Prime Video, include "Love & Coffee," "Induced," "The Friend Zone," and "Behind Closed Doors," among others.
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Allana filming for “Induced” (2022)
What’s next for Allana De’Nai?
Allana: | Beyond that, I aspire to position myself and my production company as a hub for nurturing and supporting emerging talent. I envision a future where we not only create our own projects but also have the capacity to collaborate with other artists, bringing their stories to life on the screen. While I'm currently focused on indie projects, I wouldn't be surprised if you see me working on a box office movie in the coming years. It's an exciting journey, and I'm eager to see where it leads. |
“Mahogany” (2022) movie poster
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muses making history:
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman, #1 New York Times bestselling author and youngest inaugural poet, continues to make an impact and receive recognition for her extraordinary talent and advocacy. She delivered her powerful poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021. Throughout her career, Amanda has received several writing awards and honors. Winning the the Chairman’s Award at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards further solidifies her status as a beacon of change and inspiration. | Allana and Amanda have both highlighted their exceptional writing talents and push the pen to support others. Amanda’s most recent collection of poetry, “Call Us What We Carry” addresses important themes. Gorman's dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and fostering creativity among underserved youth through initiatives like One Pen One Page is truly commendable and speaks to her commitment to positive change. Her influence as a writer, activist, and role model continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. |
