🎥 In this captivating episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we sit down with Tamika Lamison, an award-winning filmmaker, advocate, and the visionary founder of the Make a Film Foundation. Based in Los Angeles, Tamika’s groundbreaking organization empowers children with serious or life-threatening medical conditions to create their own films, supported by industry professionals, including renowned actors, directors, and writers.
Through this foundation, Tamika offers young creators a unique platform to express their authentic selves, share their stories, and leave a legacy. For many of these children, the experience is transformative—not just for them, but for their families and the Hollywood professionals who volunteer their time. As Tamika shares, “The process reveals the authentic spirit of these children and reminds everyone involved of the pure joy and magic of storytelling.”
The Spark Behind the Foundation
The genesis of the Make a Film Foundation emerged from a deep desire to blend creativity with service. After a challenging start in Hollywood—selling her first script only to find out the check was invalid—Tamika turned adversity into inspiration. She combined her love for filmmaking with her passion for helping others, creating a movement that has grown beyond her wildest dreams. “If you could do anything in the world, what would it be? That’s what you should be doing,” Tamika reflects.
Over two decades, the foundation has produced heartfelt films with young creators, including the profoundly moving The Black Ghiandola, directed by Sam Raimi and featuring a 15-year-old boy battling stage 4 cancer. The project embodied the essence of Tamika’s mission: bringing joy, fulfillment, and legacy to children in their final days.
Lessons in Leadership and Growth
Tamika’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From trusting others with her vision to learning how to delegate, she speaks candidly about the personal growth required to lead a program of this magnitude. “I’m a recovering perfectionist,” she admits. “I’ve learned to embrace that things can be great and perfect, even if they don’t go exactly how I envisioned.”
Her ability to inspire Hollywood professionals to volunteer their time and talent is equally remarkable. Tamika’s passion and clarity of purpose resonate deeply, creating what she calls “a win-win for everyone involved.”
From Lemons to Lemonade: A New Chapter
Tamika’s latest project, Superman Doesn’t Steal, is a deeply personal short film inspired by a childhood memory during the Atlanta child murders. The story explores the vulnerability and resilience of Black families in a time of terror, told through the lens of children navigating life’s challenges. The film recently premiered at the Pan-African Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, marking the beginning of an exciting festival journey.
Tamika’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond the screen. Her belief in the transformative power of creativity, even in the face of hardship, is a testament to her resilience and vision. “Landmark taught me that I can always create something new—a new possibility, a new reality—and that’s what keeps me going,” she shares.
✨ Want to be inspired by more stories like Tamika’s? Join us for live recordings of our Landmark Difference Makers interviews. Visit www.landmarkforumnews.com/events to register and be part of these extraordinary conversations.