Join filmmaker and actress Iris Huey as she shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a creative force in independent cinema. In this candid interview, Iris opens up about her challenges, her creative process, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From her early days studying film at Howard University to her perseverance in creating impactful stories on a limited budget, Iris’s story is a masterclass in resilience and determination.

Why We’re Re-Releasing This Video in 2025:
This video is part of a series spotlighting trailblazers from 2010 whose stories remain profoundly relevant today. By re-releasing these interviews, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators and dreamers, emphasizing that timeless lessons of perseverance, resourcefulness, and creativity never go out of style. Iris Huey’s journey is a reminder that success is not just about achieving goals but embracing the process with courage and authenticity.

Key Moments in the Interview:

00:00:17 – 00:00:54: Iris reflects on her early career struggles in New York and her decision to return home to pursue filmmaking independently.
00:01:00 – 00:01:19: Her first foray into filmmaking: writing and shooting a short film as a means of honing her craft.
00:01:20 – 00:02:13: The pivotal moment in high school that inspired her passion for directing and filmmaking.
00:02:18 – 00:02:52: Discussion of her first two films, Scratches (a Twilight Zone-inspired short) and Second Chance (a feature exploring redemption and fatherhood).
00:03:40 – 00:04:09: How the idea for Second Chance resonated with her and her audience.
00:05:17 – 00:06:18: Iris shares her evolving definition of success, focusing on holistic happiness and self-alignment.
00:09:45 – 00:10:18: Reflections on the challenges of perfectionism and balancing creative ambition with practical constraints.
00:10:20 – 00:11:00: Advice for aspiring filmmakers: start with what you have, embrace resilience, and trust the process.
00:11:45 – 00:12:10: Iris’s admiration for Tyler Perry’s uncompromising journey and how it inspires her own work ethic.

This re-release highlights Iris’s timeless wisdom and serves as a guide for those navigating their own creative paths.

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