Only listen to your voice, even when the odds are stacked against you and even when the ones you love do not understand your dreams. Eventually you will make it through anything and your work will speak for you. Trust yourself.

Filming my short film ‘Gang 888’ in 2020 made me believe in my voice and helped me build my creative confidence back after years of battling trauma. I am still overjoyed about my film receiving 5 international nominations, it still feels unreal to me.  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bnvUe76CTo My other successful moment was in August 2020, I conceptualized a… Read More @Banzii_Mavuso_: What is a successful moment in your career so far?

I don’t worry – I used to, also mainly because of people around me e.g: My grandmother. I have always seen opportunities in the world, even as a child and most folks never understood where my light-hearted attitude came from but I am glad I have it, it gives me peace of mind. I have… Read More @Banzii_Mavuso_: What is your biggest concern with the future?

Dropping out of studying I.T affirmed to me that I do not need to pursue dreams that are not mine and as much as this was a difficult choice and I got disowned for years. This made me see my dreams for what they are and the pushback I received from family made me stand… Read More @Banzii_Mavuso_: What’s a defining moment in your life?

I am from a big family and growing up, we used to watch TV shows together every evening and critique them and I saw that film shaped my life in so many ways as a child: I learned languages, how to be social and I learned about some skills I could use in the world and… Read More @Banzii_Mavuso_: Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I am currently writing a TV show with my very close friend and collaborator Nicola Quinn. I am also Line Producing projects for HBOMax, Sundance, History and Discovery.  http://www.kathleensimmonds.com OR https://www.facebook.com/kathleensimmondsactor/ IG: @kathleensimmo Twitter: @kathleensimmo Photo: Jessica Osber

Four leaf clovers (I press them) and Theatre Programs / Playbills. Oh and I keep all of my birthday cards!! Photo: Marco Vacchi

@kathleensimmo: What advice do you have for other women in the industry? Learn to listen to AND THEN FOLLOW your gut. It is rarely wrong. Women’s intuition is real. I admit that in this business one of the most difficult things to do is say “No”. We are often scared that we won’t get another… Read More @kathleensimmo: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

It was pretty special to have a documentary I Line Produced nominated for two Emmy’s! Reversing Roe is still on Netflix if you haven’t seen it yet. I have also been Lucky enough to attend the Oscars twice! In 2018, it was with a short I helped produce on the #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite movements. Photo:… Read More @kathleensimmo: What is a successful moment in your career so far?

I have a hard time with the fact that people are just binge-watching content now. I know it creates more opportunities for filmmakers and actors (yay to more work!), but it also means that the content isn’t necessarily savored or appreciated. I remember growing up and anxiously waiting for Wednesday at 7.30pm to come around… Read More @kathleensimmo: What is your biggest concern with the future?