Film Projects
Samantha has found herself at the helm of, and in collaboration with, various filmmakers. She has a knack for co-creating short documentaries that illuminate nuanced, lesser seen stories with a compelling brand of intimacy. Additionally, in 2015, Samantha was contracted by Russell Simmons to produce 50 poetry performance videos for his All Def Poetry digital platform. While Samantha does not claim the title filmmaker, content creation is a quiet passion of hers, and the fusion of her creative vision, savvy, and collaborative spirit makes these offerings now available here for free and enjoyable viewing.
Aqui, En Cuba: Profile on Pablo This brilliant cinematic essay was shot and edited by filmmaker Justice Whitaker and created in collaboration with poets Elana Bell and Samantha Thornhill. This three minute gut punch is part of a larger full length documentary in progress, which the trio filmed on a 20 day trip to Cuba in 2012 to study testimonial literature and archive the testimonies of every day Cubans.
A Caterpillar’s Struggle is a 3 minute short film co-directed by Zac Murphy and Samantha Thornhill and starring Angelica Flores. Sponsored by Siemens in Germany as part of their ad campaign aimed at illuminating real life stories of true change bringers. In this narrative short, young Angelica balances her aspirations of becoming an actor with the harsh reality of having a father behind bars.
Most Beautiful Accident: A Single Parent’s Ode is a visual poem born from Samantha’s previous experiences as a single parent. Hence, she envisioned, directed and edited this project, beautifully shot by Janelle Hamrick Photography.
Moses’ Earthstrong is an hour-long documentary that captures the vibrant, cultural celebration of Moses, a spiritual leader in the Spiritual Baptist tradition of Trinidad & Tobago. Co-directed by Tammy Kremer and Samantha Thornhill. Filmed in 2018.
To a Killer Whale When Russell Simmons hired Samantha to produce 50 poetry videos for his All Def Poetry digital platform, naturally Samantha opted to film poets performing on the streets of New York City. Here is her poem to the killer whale told from the perspective of enslaved African, Kunte Kinte. Filmed by Anthony Tedesco.
Con Corazon: This music video featuring Samantha Thornhill, Elana Bell and Justice Whitaker was shot in Santiago de Cuba, where the trio collaborated in a recording studio with Cuban hip hip group, Golpe Seko.