PORTFOLIO
S.H.I.N.E School of Communications Student Council
Executive President 2022-2024 and Student Leader at Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Alana recently graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in TV Media & Film Production and a Minor in Business Administration, earning a Magna Cum Laude distinction. At the Cathy Hughes School of Communications Recognition Ceremony, the Film and TV faculty nominated Alana for the 2024 Outstanding Service Award and the 2024 MJFC Department Chair Award in the Class of 2024.
Nineteen
A Short Film written, directed, produced and edited by Young Filmmaker, Alana I. Smith
Nineteen - A story chronicling Alana's childhood, personal experiences, and life lessons that have resonated with her throughout nineteen years.
MoCo Youth Media Finalist 2024 and 1st Place Winner of the “Young Adult” film category
The Son That Didn't Shine
A short film co-directed by Alana I. Smith and Clarke Phillips
The Son That Didn't Shine - A woman recalls a series of events from her early 20s that led to a forced abortion. Now in her old age she reminisces over the son she never had.
1st Place Winner of the Dr. Trisha Bailey Storyteller Award at the Inaugural Reel HBCU Film Festival
Warner Bros. Discovery Empower Storyteller Award 2023
Too Fresh 4 School
A Short Film Written, Directed, Produced, and Edited by Young Filmmaker, Alana I. Smith
TOO FRESH 4 SCHOOL - Brooke, a college freshman, breaks out her comfort zone and uses music to complete a group project which requires her to reflect on life values while making independent choices on campus.
Forgotten
A Short Film Written, Directed, Produced, and Edited by Young Filmmaker, Alana I. Smith
FORGOTTEN - is a docu-drama style short film documenting the rise of racism in 2020 and narrating the intersectionality of being a Black woman experiencing gendered racism in America during the Say Her Name movement. The film includes archival footage of media news, video montages, and an original monologue performed by me. To highlight the progress that’s required of this healing nation, I felt compelled to produce this visual and uplift the hidden stories of Black women who are frequently victimized from police brutality.
This film was creatively inspired by Between The World and Me HBO Special and 20/20 Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor ABC series.
WAKE UP
A Short Film Written, Directed, Produced, and Edited by Young Filmmaker, Alana I. Smith
Wake Up - An educated black teen is eager to wake up his white classmate from this idealistic "American Dream" during a time of division, malice, and ignorance.
The purpose of this short film was to reflect the current times we are living in. During these unprecedented times, our country is suffering from the destructive pandemic of coronavirus and racism. We are living through such a pivotal moment in history and the way we advocate for issues and combat bias solely lies within our daily lives and social media. In this movement, we must take the initiative to increase our knowledge and encourage each other to not be normal again but strive for better. The movement to equality is nowhere finished.
HBCU Filmmaker of the Year 2021 by National Black Movie Association