Interview with Harlem Filmmaker Nadhege Ptah
Interview with Harlem Filmmaker Nadhege Ptah.
Nadhege Ptah is a one-of-a-kind artist with a truly diverse background. As an award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, and dancer, she had the unique opportunity to experiment with various media and create a diverse portfolio of astonishing creative works across different forms of expression and platforms.
Beauty Within recently had the opportunity to talk with filmmaker Nadhege Ptah about her experiences as both an independent filmmaker and a local mom making a name for herself in Harlem. From Hollywood to Harlem, Black filmmakers are shining – and have so much more to share.
Beauty Within : What does your name Nadhege mean?
Nadhege: The name means “Hope” in French.
Beauty Within : What attracted you to the arts?
Nadhege: Honestly, I love the arts as a child. I enrolled in HB studios in the village, New York.
Beauty Within : Tell us about your Harlem. How has Harlem inspired you as an artist?
Nadhedge: I lived in Brooklyn then later sublet an apartment in Harlem. I loved Harlem. It was the atmosphere that struck me. The live music, the chic cocktails, the eclectic Southern fusion food. There is so much diversity in Harlem. Then I joined the Harlem Theater company called the Harlem YMCA
Beauty Within : Did you study acting, dancing or singing in Harlem?
Nadhege: My voice training coach is from Harlem.
Beauty Within: Tell us about M.A.A.T
Nadhege: M.A.A.T stands for Manifesting An Artistic Truth Films.
Manifesting An Artistic Truth Films (M.A.A.T Films) is a film production company that tells authentic human stories that are universal to inspire and ignite change.
Work produced by M.A.A.T Films include:
DoDo TiTi, Harlem Love, Paris Blues In Harlem, No Matter What, Harlem Theater Company
Beauty Within: What is your producing style like. You remind me of Spike Lee films focus on Brooklyn and your film focus in Harlem,
Nadhege: I’m a combination of Spike Lee and Ava Duvernay.
Beauty Within: Who are your favorite actresses and directors?
Nadhege: Viola Davis, Lynn Whitfield, Angela Bassett, Alfre Woodard, Cicely Tyson and Ruby Dee.
Beauty Within: Why did you become a film director?
Nadhege: It’s about about the power of creation.To bring out your imagination, the characters, the thoughts, the emotions to life in storytelling. To tell a story like a music composition with notes placed just the way you want them to be. There is nothing more satisfying than that. Its about expressing yourself.
Beauty Within: What advice to give inspiring actors?
Nadhege: Individuals should, therefore, do things that make them happy. Your passion is what’s meaningful for you. In the world we live in, it’s necessary to make money, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be our top priority when choosing our careers. Ultimately, you will do better, with practice, and work. Instead of following the money, follow your passion and everything will follow.
