Arlene Russell is a filmmaker with a profound dedication to storytelling, particularly narratives that amplify the voices of the underrepresented. With a deep passion for shedding light on the struggles of the underdog, she creates films that not only captivate but also serve as a platform for healing and understanding. Her latest projects, Three Generations Lost and What Momma Wants, tackle complex and emotionally charged subjects, delving into themes of tragedy, justice, and resilience. Through a sensitive and immersive approach, Russell crafts cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and her unwavering commitment to telling stories that inspire and provoke thought.

Your love for storytelling is evident in your work. What originally drew you to filmmaking, and do you remember the moment you knew this was your path?

Storytelling has always been my passion. I have always been passionate about stories that are about  the underdogs. Everyone needs a platform to express their feelings and emotions, so that people can share their thoughts with others. Sometimes sharing can help people understand what the underdog goes through. 

Both of your current projects—Three Generations Lost and What Momma Wants—tackle heavy and deeply emotional subjects. What was it about these stories that made you feel compelled to bring them to life?

Three Generations Lost 

In this gripping true story, Keith Davis describes how his family members of three generations were brutally murdered in one night. This story takes place in 1992, Somerville, Texas, which takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride, while the surviving family members seek justice and restoration. 

What Momma wants is a story about an African American woman who is trying to save her sons from being a  part of a negative influence in their community. 

As a director, how do you approach telling a true story like Three Generations Lost with sensitivity while also crafting a compelling cinematic experience?

I believe in a sensitivity approach to storytelling. I always have the audience in mind. In these stories, the audience is hurting because of the loss of losing multiple family members at  one time. In general, the loss of a loved one at any point is a sensitive subject. I want to provide the healing platform through sharing their experiences by sharing with others 

In What Momma Wants, you’re producing a story centered on gun violence. Given the weight of the subject, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in bringing this film to life?

Funding has been an issue because people may see this type of film as something that has been around for years, but I feel there is a huge amount of potential to explore different voices through educational opportunities.

Collaboration is key in filmmaking. How did you and Mark Clark work together to shape What Momma Wants, and what drew you to this project as a producer?

Mark is a part of the film maker’s project, where we both were involved with. His passion for developing what Momma Wants,  was a passion that resonated with me. What mother doesn’t want what is a great opportunity for their child to grow up in a healthy and positive environment? I wanted to share this story with others

Every filmmaker has a unique process when it comes to developing characters and narrative arcs. How do you immerse yourself in a story and bring your characters to life on screen?

By putting myself in the role of the character ‘s shoes.

Independent filmmaking requires resilience and passion. What has been the most rewarding moment in your filmmaking journey so far?

Most rewarding moment when the “underdogs stories”are exposed to the world through their eyes. 

If you could go back and give advice to yourself at the very beginning of your career, what would you say?

Every story is different. Craft to create 

Your projects carry a strong emotional weight. As a storyteller, how do you balance realism and artistic expression to create something that resonates with audiences?

Through realistic storytelling techniques. This means that you have a unique perspective on what is being humanistic and sensibility 

Looking ahead, what kinds of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what do you want audiences to take away from your work?

 I want transparency, true stories and humanitarian stories. I want to give hope to the world through the art of storytelling.