Malia Obama is accused by indie filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris of copying elements from her short film "Grace" in a Nike commercial directed by Obama. Harris claims there are striking similarities in the scenes, particularly with two Black girls playing pat-a-cake, and mentions technical parallels in camera angles and color palettes. She expresses disappointment over the industry's tendency to favor recognizable names over supporting emerging artists, emphasizing the need for genuine innovation in storytelling. The two filmmakers had previously met at the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting their shared artistic ambitions.
"I know art often overlaps, but moments like this hit hard when you've poured your heart into telling stories with care and barely get the recognition you deserve."
"It speaks to a larger issue of brands not supporting independent artists and opting for folks who already have name recognition, which doesn't breed innovative films or original storytelling."
Collection
[
|
...
]