Diallo Javonne French facts for kids
| Born | 1971, Kansas City, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Clark Atlanta University |
| Known for | Filmmaking, photography |
| Notable work | May This Be Love, Kansas City Dreamin': Music in the Shadows |
| Awards | Urban Mediamakers Film Festival |
Diallo Javonne French (born in 1971 in Kansas City) is a talented filmmaker and photographer. His film May This Be Love was shown on the BET program Lens on Talent in 2009. It also won first place at the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival.
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Early Life and Early Career
Diallo French grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He first started as a musician. But at 19, he bought an 8mm camera from a pawn shop. This made him switch to filmmaking. He taught himself how to make short films using 8mm and 16mm cameras.
From 1994 to 1996, French went to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he helped with music video productions. He worked on videos for famous groups like TLC, Goodie Mob, Outkast, and Xscape. In 2001, French moved back to Kansas City. He started working at the American Jazz Museum. This job made him very interested in jazz photography.
Film Projects
May This Be Love (2006)
In 2006, French wrote and directed a short film called May This Be Love. It starred Kevin “Kre8” Browne and Keisha McGautha. The film was shot in black and white. It tells the story of two lovers. Jazz music and a poem by Kansas City poet Glenn North are part of the film.
May This Be Love won first place at the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival in 2007. It was also shown on the BET series Lens on Talent in 2009. The film was also featured at the San Francisco Film Festival and the Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival.
Pay Respects (2015)
Pay Respects is a short experimental film. It explores the history of African American music. This film was chosen for the Kansas City Film Festival in 2016.
Kansas City Dreamin’: Music in the Shadows (2016)
Kansas City Dreamin’ is a documentary film. It shows French's journey of capturing the Kansas City Jazz community. He used black and white photography for over ten years. The film also includes interviews with musicians, especially Bobby Watson. French also featured Kansas City artists like Janelle Monae, Marva Whitney, and Tech N9ne. He wanted to inspire young people in Kansas City with their music.
A Song For You (2019)
A Song For You is a love story. It is about a soul singer and what inspires him to create music. The film stars Anthony Saunders, a singer-songwriter from Kansas City. It features music from Kansas City jazz, R&B, and hip hop artists. A part of the money from the film goes to music education in the Kansas City area.
Photography Work
Diallo French's photographs have been shown in many places. These include the American Jazz Museum, The Box Gallery, and Buttonwood Art Space. His photos have even appeared on Hallmark cards.
He takes black and white photos without using studio lights. His pictures capture the lively Kansas City Jazz scene. Famous saxophonist Bobby Watson once told French, "You really captured something. You’re not just taking pictures, you’re documenting." French says he will always remember those words.
Artistic Style and Inspiration
French uses black and white film in his movies and photos. This helps him create a feeling of timelessness. His work often focuses on music and romantic love. Jazz music is a big influence for him.
French explains that when he photographs jazz musicians, he feels like he becomes part of the music. He usually shoots in dimly lit places, using only natural light. This helps him capture a pure moment of musical expression.
Exhibitions and Screenings
Solo Exhibitions
- 2013-2014, KC Swing: Jazz Photography, The Box Gallery, Kansas City MO
- 2013, Jazz Photography, Vine Street Studio, Kansas City MO
Group Exhibitions
- 2018 What's Going On, Leedy-Voulkos Art Gallery, Kansas City, MO
- 2017 Arts KC, ArtsKC, Kansas City MO
- 2015 Jazz Then & Now, American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO
Film Screenings
- 2017 National Archives at Kansas City
- 2017 ArtsKC
- 2016 Black Archives of Mid America
- 2009 BET airing
Awards and Recognitions
- 2016 Selectee Kansas City Film Festival
- 2014 Trailblazer honor Kansas City Jewish Film Festival
- 2010 Selectee Kansas City Urban Film Festival
- 2007 Selectee San Francisco Film Festival
- 2007 Selectee Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival
- 2007 1st-place winner Urban Mediamakers Film Festival
- 2006 Selectee Urban Film Series
