Alile Sharon Larkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alile Sharon Larkin
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| Born |
Sharon Larkin
May 6, 1953 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Alma mater | USC BA, UCLA, MFA |
| Occupation | Film director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1979–present |
Alile Sharon Larkin (born May 6, 1953) is an American filmmaker. She produces, writes, and directs movies. She is known for being part of the L.A. Rebellion. This was a group of Black filmmakers. They wanted to create a new kind of Black cinema. It was different from what Hollywood usually made. Larkin is seen as one of the important filmmakers from this group. She also helped start the Black Filmmakers Collective.
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Becoming a Filmmaker and Educator
Alile Sharon Larkin was born in Chicago. This was on May 6, 1953. She went to the University of Southern California. There she studied creative writing. She graduated in 1975.
Later, she joined the UCLA film school. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1982. After that, she got another degree in education. For 25 years, she worked as a teacher.
Her Film Career and Stories
While at UCLA, Larkin made two short films. Her first film was The Kitchen (1975). It tells the story of a Black woman's struggles. It shows how life can feel like a prison.
Her next film was Your Children Come Back to You (1979). This movie looks at how African Americans fit into society. It shows problems like unfairness. It tells the story from a child's point of view.
A Different Image and Other Projects
Then came A Different Image (1982). This is one of her most famous films. It explores a close friendship. It's about a free-spirited young woman and her best guy friend.
Larkin also created projects for kids. One is an animated story called Dreadlocks and the Three Bears (1991). It's a fun new version of the Goldilocks story. It has a Black girl as the main character. She is also working on a children's music DVD called 'Tie Dye'.
Larkin as a Writer
Alile Sharon Larkin is also a published writer. Her article "Black Women Filmmakers Defining Ourselves" came out in 1988. It was about how Black women filmmakers see themselves.
Her screenplay for A Different Image was also published. It was part of a book in 1991. This book featured works from different independent filmmakers.
Larkin and other L.A. Rebellion filmmakers are featured in a new documentary. It's called Spirits of Rebellion: Black Cinema at UCLA.
Her Unique Film Style
Larkin often tells stories in a special way. Her films don't always follow a straight timeline. She uses quick cuts and different scenes. This makes viewers think more about the story.
She is known for helping Black women in film. She has shown their stories in new ways. Larkin is an important independent filmmaker. She helps create movies that truly show Black culture and ideas.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Distributor | Screenings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | The Kitchen | Director, Writer, Producer, Editor | ||
| 1979 | Your Children Come Back to You | Director, Writer, Producer, Editor | Women Make Movies | 2011: L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema |
| 1982 | A Different Image | Director | Women Make Movies | 2011: L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema 2003: Los Angeles School Festival at UC Irvine 1982: Black Talkies on Parade Film Festival |
| 1984 | My Dream is to Marry an African Prince | Producer | ||
| 1986 | What Color is God? | Producer | ||
| 1987 | Miss Fluci Moses | Director | ||
| 1991 | Dreadlocks and the Three Bears | Director, Writer, Producer | 2011: L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema | |
| 1998 | Mz Medusa | Director | ||
| 2000 | The Blessing Way | Cast |
Awards and recognition
- 1982: 1st Prize, Black American Cinema Society Award for A Different Image
