PASSIONATE PROFESSIONALS

The Queens World Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, The Gaia Zine and Epicenter – NY proudly announce PASSION in ACTION, a day-long mentoring event to bring high school and college students together with Passionate Professionals in the Arts, Sciences, Finance, Women’s Sports, Nonprofit Sectors and More.

The morning session of this day long event will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts including developing a mission statement, compiling ideas on how to promote your work and creating your back pocket networking tool kit. The afternoon is devoted to a round robin speed networking event so that all attendees have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

The morning will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts with the afternoon devoted to a round robin networking event so that all attendees, have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

Thank you to Jarika Johnson for being one of our Passionate Professionals!

Jarika Johnson

Filmmaker

Jarika Johnson is a filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Jarika works as Marketing Manager at an agency and directs short films and music videos on the weekend.  In the Summer 2022 she completed a filmmaking program at the New York Film Academy. Johnson directed the short film, “The Interest”, in 2022, which was nominated for Best Acting at the 48 Hour Film Festival.  In Jarika’s films she creates strong BIPOC Queer characters as the protagonist while the audience is given a seat into their life. Jarika’s character’s queer identity is a key factor of their identity but it’s not a plot point in the story. Jarika feel it’s important to even show the mundane of Queer lifestyle. Jarika enjoyed her film and photography classes in High School and has been hooked ever since. Her dream is to write and direct Sci-Fi feature films and produce a Television series.

Question & Answer

What is a personal character trait that you have leaned on in your career?

During my career I have learned that I am very detailed oriented.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are thinking about college?

It is okay if you don’t know what you want to do within your first couple years of college. I believe college can help you determine your path.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are beginning their careers?

Don’t get easily discouraged and be confident.