“We’re All Connected”: Filmmaker Tevin Tavares on Community, Authenticity, and Storytelling
On Wednesday, November 5, USC’s Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab welcomed
award-winning filmmaker Tevin Tavares to discuss his storytelling and creative processes.
Moderated by Bass Lab student worker Emily Nichols, Tevin started the Lunch and Learn a little
differently. He had all attendees introduce themselves and talk briefly about how they’re feeling.
When asked why he did this, Tavares used it as a transition into his self-introduction. Quoting
Kendrick Lamar, he claimed that “I am all of this.” He emphasized importance on how the way
one starts a presentation is critical, and he chose to have everyone introduce themselves
because “we’re all connected in some way or form; today is not about me, today is about all of
you guys.”
That was a common theme throughout the Lunch and Learn session. Tavares placed great
emphasis on community and teaching the next generation. Having moved from Oakland to
attend the University of Oregon, he had a goal of working for Nike, and knew that he would have
to move to Oregon if he wanted to make that dream a reality. Tavares deeply appreciates his
time at UO, because “when you’re around so many human beings and so many talents, it
shapes your storytelling.”
Sharing more on his creative journey, he said that the most significant turning point for him was
the 2012 Nike commercial “The Ringmaker,” which featured LeBron James after his first
championship with the Miami Heat. The filmmaking behind the commercial made him realize
that filmmaking “isn’t a game. This is something that can change lives. It’s powerful.” How he
creates powerful art is through putting his mission into practice: “create art that is creative,
authentic, and commercial.” Tavares is very in tune with his inner child, and he believes that
bringing forth your inner child and tapping into your roots allows “everyone in the room…to feel
you, [and] everybody in the world to feel you.”
Tavares shared many words of wisdom, especially for student filmmakers who may be
struggling with budget. He told everyone to stay professional and authentic, no matter what field
you’re in. He said, “you realize your last name means a lot. Every time you step out of the
house, you’re a representation of how you grew up. Professionalism is key, authenticity is key.
No matter what setting you go to, remember you’re representing your family and you serve a
purpose.” Three concrete things he suggested students do were to just do it, trust your
community, and be authentic. Authenticity comes from staying true to yourself and where you
come from, making everyone unique, so “don’t dilute it. Give me the full seasoning. Give me
your full truth.”
