Award Winning Filmmaker, Actress, Creator, Author & Producer Aurora Threats to Publish New Book!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

54th NAACP Image Awards Nominee, & Award-Winning Filmmaker, Actress, Creator, Author & Producer, Aurora Threats to Publish New Book! "A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes!

A multi-award-winning filmmaker, actress, author, screenwriter, and producer, Aurora Threats was recently nominated by the 54th NAACP Image Awards for "Best Animated Short Form (Motion Picture)" for her short film "Supercilious." Her poem "Supercilious" will appear in "A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes" when it is released in the coming months.

This award-winning children's screenplay explores hope, faith, and resilience. People of all ages will embrace the beauty of optimism and unwavering spirit through these artistic expressions. 

"Supercilious" was created, written, and produced by her. Cedric William, Jr. directed it. The film has earned accolades worldwide and was recently selected as a "BRIFF Shorts Official Selection 2023" at the prestigious "Bistrița Romania International Film Festival."  Here is the interview I had with this super-talented Texas Gem.

Hi Aurora, how are you doing today? Hi, I am great! Thank you so much for asking. 

Before we discuss them, tell me in your own words who Aurora is so our readers understand how amazing you are. Well, I am just a small-town girl living out my dreams. Although I live in the city I love, love the countryside. I am ambitious and driven. I enjoy doing random acts of kindness and making others feel special. I get fulfillment from using my imagination to inspire others. I try to keep my life centered on and around God's purpose. I exemplify this through my actions, talents, and deeds. 

What happens in the everyday life of Aurora? In the daily life of Aurora, you will find her always doing something to lift, encourage, and inspire not only herself but others. You will find her always challenging herself to be better or trying to discover something new or extraordinary. I feel time is valuable, and I am constantly setting goals and working towards my next. 

What are your origins, where do you live now, and where did you grow up? I come from a loving and nurturing family with Southern roots. I grew up in the Bayou state of Louisiana. I now reside in the metroplex of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. 

What was your childhood like? I have fond memories of my childhood. I grew up in a loving and nurturing family. I am the only girl, and I love that. I am not spoiled, but growing up as the only girl has helped shape my individuality. 

During these informative years, I learned to be who I am. My siblings and I were raised primarily by our incredible mother, a remarkable role model in her life. 

Now, at the remarkable age of 93, I have the utmost honor of caring for our mother. It brings me immense joy to be available to her as she has been there for us and many others throughout her life. She gave her children a solid foundation upon which she always emphasized the importance of faith, education, and treating others with kindness and respect. 

 What excited your drive toward the arts, and when did that inspiration come? Watching soaps with my grandmother daily inspired my drive toward the creative field. I was very young, like four years before school age. I felt drawn to television and motivated to use my creativity. The desire to do this was deep in my heart; I knew I would do it one day. There was no other career that intrigued me as much as this one. Due to my love of animals, I did consider becoming a veterinarian at one point. 

You were an actress who was part of a national touring company Off-Broadway. How did you first become involved in acting and Theatre, and what initially attracted you? Yes, I am an actress and toured with a national touring company. Every night, we performed to sold-out audiences on every major stage nationwide. Well, it goes back to when I was a very young child. I knew acting was what I wanted to do. As a result, I majored in Theatre in college to acquire the knowledge, training, and skills I would need to follow my dream. I earned a professional degree in Theatre. I enjoyed soap operas and watched sitcoms like "Good Times," "Facts of Life," "Different Stroke," etc. 

After moving to the West Coast, I auditioned for many jobs and booked all of them, including the Off-Broadway show. I am a testament to "if your mind can conceive it, and your heart can believe it - then you can achieve it." 

Regarding writing, have you always enjoyed writing since your childhood? Well, yes, I have always enjoyed writing, but creative writing came later. After developing a love for poetry, I started writing creatively. My passion for it has grown since then, and I enjoy doing it immensely. Writing allows the mind to escape and be creative. It's healing and revealing, peaceful and blissful, and like a precious gem that mirrors that of a lyrical hymn. I love writing. It stirs the very essence of my soul. 

Aurora, what inspired you to start your writing career? I desire to be creative. Having moved back to Dallas from California, I needed to connect creatively. I recall seeing Spike Lee and Jasmine Guy at an event in Las Colinas (Irving), and Spike said or similar, "You can make it from anywhere. You just need a good product". He didn't know how much this statement meant to me. I knew this, but hearing him say it was the affirmation I needed. I don't put any limitations on myself. On the contrary, I continue to push boundaries. 

Awesome! What are things that you like to write about? Writing that inspires or entertains me is what I enjoy. It won't move the reader if it doesn't move me. My goal is to write about something that inspires, encourages, or causes a positive shift. In other words, I must vibe with anything I write or create. 

What inspired your love for poetry? What inspired me most about poetry was the play on decorating words to convey a compelling message. Poetry is beautiful; it's a unique way to express your feelings; it's healing, lyrical, and music to the soul, heart, and essence of a person's being. 

 In general, do you believe that people's appetite for reading has remained unchanged since the emergence of the digital age? I think people are reading more due to the emergence of the digital age because it's more convenient and accessible. People don't even frequent the library they used to. It seems to me that this is a new way of doing things. Even in schools, kids have laptops where they can research and do so much more than with traditional reading. 

 Are you a full-time writer? No, I do not write full-time. While I'd love to, I need to set myself up to do so first.

Have you ever written a full-length screenplay? While "Supercilious" is a screenplay. Currently, I haven't written a full-length, but who knows? It might happen. 

What other talents do you have that you would like to share with the world? I am an actress, creator, and producer. Sewing has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl. I have always been fascinated with fashion. I was offered a fashion merchandising scholarship but declined it because it wasn't my primary interest. 

As an author, what would you say is the most effective way of marketing your book in today's world? As an author, the most effective ways of marketing a book require a multi-faceted approach. Suppose you have a publisher or a publishing deal. In that case, it's typically done through the publisher's marketing department, a publicist, bookstores & retailers, the author's involvement, social media platforms, book signing, etc. 

Are you living your dream today, or is there still more you want to do? Although there is still much more to do, I am living my dream. God is my priority, and I believe that all things work together for good for those who love God.

"A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes" is your soon-to-be-released book that expresses your inner self and demonstrates your heart & beauty. Where did the vision come from? What's it about? As I am from Louisiana, just like a good seafood gumbo, the poems and quotes blend like a rich roux infused with rhyme and seasoned with metaphors and similes. This collection is a tribute to my roots and a feast for readers who appreciate the beauty of words, like the comfort of good food. 

Your writing captures the direction of your heart and what you stand for. You care about others, and I love that. That is a scarce characteristic in the entertainment industry and among individuals today. Regarding your book getting into the hands of people, what are your hopes? My hope regarding my book is that for every hand that holds it and everyone who reads it, it sparks inspiration, ignites imaginations, and touches the hearts and minds of readers from all walks of life. I hope it becomes a source of joy, knowledge, and personal growth. I hope it makes a positive and lasting impact and creates a brighter future for others and the world around them. 

What is your award-winning short film, Supercilious, about? Who wrote, produced, and directed it, and where can people see it? My poem "Supercilious" will debut inside "A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes" when it is released in the coming months. My award-winning short film "Supercilious" is a children's screenplay about hope, faith, and resilience. Together these creative endeavors will inspire people of all ages to embrace the beauty of optimism and unwavering spirit.   

I am the creator, writer, and executive producer of "Supercilious." Cedric William, Jr. directed it. I feel so blessed that "Supercilious" is still receiving accolades worldwide. It was recently selected as a "BRIFF Shorts Official Selection 2023" at the revered “Bistrița Romania International Film Festival” in Europe. 

Awesome Aurora! God has truly blessed your life. Your short film "Supercilious" was nominated by the 54th NAACP Image Awards for Best Animated Short Form (Motion Picture). What was that experience like for you? Wow, wow, wow! All I can say is God is truly amazing! Being nominated for Best Animated Short Form (Motion Picture) was a tremendous honor and validation of the hard work and passion that went into creating "Supercilious." To be acknowledged by such a prestigious organization means the world to me. 

Attending the awards ceremony was an experience like no other. The energy was electric, filled with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who contributed significantly to the industry. Being surrounded by creative minds and being celebrated was incredibly inspiring.   

Looking back, the experience of being nominated for the 54th NAACP Image Awards was a defining moment in my career. It was a dream come true. 

Aurora, that's incredible! Congratulations! Your courage to act on what God put in you has impacted many people and spread your inspiration worldwide. Does it make you feel good to know that? Winning film festivals is a thrilling and rewarding experience; I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunities. Seeing my short film resonate with audiences and industry professionals is heartwarming. Every accolade and recognition I have received reminds me of the blessings bestowed upon me and my fantastic team. I firmly believe that none of this would be possible without God's divine guidance and grace. 

You became the first-ever female from the United States to collaborate with Ghana, Africa, on an animated short film. Wow! That's awesome! You made history! Please tell me about that experience. This is another blessing that feels so, so wonderful. As I embarked on this journey of collaborating with Eben Yelson on "Supercilious," I had no idea we would make history. It has been an incredible and awe-inspiring experience to become the first-ever female from the United States to collaborate with Ghana on this extraordinary project. 

 My work has allowed me to bridge cultures, connect with talented individuals worldwide, and create something unique. It's a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing the unknown. Despite the pandemic, I remained focused and true to what I felt inside, which led to this groundbreaking collaboration.

You're not only beautiful and talented, but you are also educated. Tell us about your educational achievements. I am a graduate of Grambling State University, and I could go on and on about my experience at Grambling. I pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Speech & Theatre Education from Grambling. This program provided me with a well-rounded education and practical training, equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a career in the dynamic and creative industry of Theatre. 

Upon graduating, I was eager to sharpen my acting skills further. I pursued additional training at Marla Gibb's Crossroad Arts Academy in Los Angeles, where I delved deeper into acting. This experience was advantageous and provided me with invaluable insight into the industry.  

I hold a Master of Science (MS) in Human Relations and business from “Amberton University” in Garland, TX. I needed to prepare myself to be more competitive on every level. 

My years at Grambling State University were undeniably the highlight of my life, brimming with unforgettable moments and personal growth. As a proud graduate of this esteemed university, I carry the rich legacy of my alma mater with immense pride. 

Aurora, where can people purchase this book? Once my book (A Gumbo of Poems & Quotes) is released, it will be available through all top book outlets, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, etc. The book will be released soon.  

Any last words of wisdom? I extend my heartfelt gratitude for this incredible opportunity. It is a true honor to grace the cover of this extraordinary magazine. My words of wisdom echo the importance of staying true to yourself and forging your own path. Embrace your truth, and be a force for good; trust me, blessings will shower upon you from above. Lastly, remember always to cherish the blessings in your life, no matter how big or small they may seem.

Aurora, what an amazing and talented Gem you are. I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to interview you today. You are indeed one of a kind. Thank you for blessing me with your unique story and journey through the world of the arts. I pray that God bless you and all you put your hands to do, be it done according to His will for your life. May He bless your family and your journey and give you direction and guidance. And I know the best is yet to come! I am super proud of all your accomplishments and determination never to give up. God has truly blessed your life, and I pray that those blessings will continue to flow. Keep shining your light in this world, for the world so desperately needs those of us who have a light to shine brightly. God bless you, excellent Aurora. Thank you again.

All of Aurora Threats' photos are by Sherilyn Powell

To contact Aurora Threats visit https://www.facebook.com/inspirationpoet/

Check out the NAACP Award Winning film, "Supercilious" Click Here

https://aurorathreats.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039388032892

END OF INTERVIEW