About Kafia
At an early age, Kafia’s parents instilled in her an appreciation for the arts, using the
stage and films to instruct her in social justice. “I remember how excited I was as a kid when my mother took me to see Kenny Leon in Bloodknot to get a better understanding of the impact of apartheid in South Africa. Then there were the nights at home when my father sat us down to watch movies like Battle of Algiers and Dry White Season. It was important to my parents that we become sensitized to the experiences of oppressed people.”
Her writing-directing and artwork complement each other, with Kafia painting scenes from her work for tv and film. Several of her paintings are based on her play Pickin’ Up Strays, featured in staged readings at the DC Black Theatre Festival and Theater Alliance. Additional paintings have been exhibited at City of Ink's group exhibition in memory of Troy Davis, Atlanta Speech School, Busboys and Poets and RAW Artists DC. She has contributed artwork in support of March of Dimes and Firelight Foundation.
Kafia’s creative works are influenced by her family history, particularly their experiences in the Great Migration, in addition to her previous career as a cultural analyst in Iraq. Kafia uses bold colors as a form of escape from conservative environments and a reflection of the richness of her native Atlanta. As both a writer and an artist, Kafia is interested in redemption, the resilience of family, and the role of tradition in the modern world. Her work conveys people's connection to one another and the idea that the good and evil we do to others also has an impact on us.
A graduate of Spelman College and The Fletcher School at Tufts University, Kafia is currently pursuing her passion for film at University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.
Copyright 2012
stage and films to instruct her in social justice. “I remember how excited I was as a kid when my mother took me to see Kenny Leon in Bloodknot to get a better understanding of the impact of apartheid in South Africa. Then there were the nights at home when my father sat us down to watch movies like Battle of Algiers and Dry White Season. It was important to my parents that we become sensitized to the experiences of oppressed people.”
Her writing-directing and artwork complement each other, with Kafia painting scenes from her work for tv and film. Several of her paintings are based on her play Pickin’ Up Strays, featured in staged readings at the DC Black Theatre Festival and Theater Alliance. Additional paintings have been exhibited at City of Ink's group exhibition in memory of Troy Davis, Atlanta Speech School, Busboys and Poets and RAW Artists DC. She has contributed artwork in support of March of Dimes and Firelight Foundation.
Kafia’s creative works are influenced by her family history, particularly their experiences in the Great Migration, in addition to her previous career as a cultural analyst in Iraq. Kafia uses bold colors as a form of escape from conservative environments and a reflection of the richness of her native Atlanta. As both a writer and an artist, Kafia is interested in redemption, the resilience of family, and the role of tradition in the modern world. Her work conveys people's connection to one another and the idea that the good and evil we do to others also has an impact on us.
A graduate of Spelman College and The Fletcher School at Tufts University, Kafia is currently pursuing her passion for film at University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.
Copyright 2012
