Zinha Productions
Envisioning New Suns
They call me Emmazinha...
Biography
A born and bred New Yorker, I have been raised with a profound belief in using the visual to contemplate humanity and foster empathy. My father lovingly calls me Emmazinha-- little Emma-- a nickname reflecting our diasporic roots and my commitment to stay small and centralize the story and subject.
A graduate of Swarthmore College, and current Marshall Scholar, I am particularly drawn to questions surrounding race, reproduction, and the body. Committed to Black Radical Joy, I see liberation within the creative celebration and engagement of those who have survived and thrived in spite of the odds. London based for 2020-22.
Professional History
Education and Positions
Education
September 2016 - May 2020
Swarthmore College. Graduated with Phi Beta Kappa and with High Honors. Awarded National McCabe Scholarship by Swarthmore for 2016-2020.
Marshall Scholar '20
November 2020 - Present
Awarded the Marshall Scholarship for 2020-2022. Pursuing a MA of Filmmaking (Screen documentary) at Goldsmiths, University of London for 2020-21. Then will begin a Doctorate of Social Policy and Intervention at Oxford for 2021-22.
Co-Director, E.A.T.T. Company
March 2015 - Present
Co-founder and Executive Director of Eat at the Table Theatre Company; a fiscally sponsored, sole proprietor, non-profit organization. Established EATT, a youth multi-media company, to create space for young creatives of color to explore and celebrate race through repurposed and original theatrical pieces. Obtained partnership with Manhattan Class Company (MCC) Theater. Oversaw $10,000 budget from 2015-2020.
Awards and Honors
Awards, grants and fellowships won individually or as a group
2022
BOM resident
Selected as 2022 Birmingham Open Media (BOM) resident. Provided with support and resources to develop Moon Mama Wants You To Dance.
2020
NCAA WOTY (Finalist)
Nominee and top 30 finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.
2022
Future of Film Grantee
Selected as one of three teams with a project in development that's on the cutting edge of art and technology. Development, pitch and partnership support provided for Moon Mama Wants You To Dance.
2019
William J Cooper Grant
A Foundation Grant awarded in support of topical events in a future academic year featuring guests who are eminent in their fields. Awarded $27,300.00 for creation and coordination of, “Beyond The Field: Activism, Athletics, and Empowerment in the Modern Political Era” a day for the Eagles champion and anti-incarceration activist, Malcolm Jenkins, to visit Swarthmore and discuss the intersections of political dissent and athletic capital.
2018
Mellon Mays Fellowship
One of 5 Swarthmore students awarded the 2018 Mellon Mays fellowship.
Provided with mentorship and financial support as a member of an underrepresented minority group to pursue a graduate degree after undergraduate studies.
2020
The Oak and Ivy Award
This senior award is given to a Swarthmore student in the graduating class who is outstanding in scholarship, contributions to community, and leadership.