Meet LaTerrian
SMRT Kooky founder Nathalie and LaTerrian Officer-McIntosh discuss life in a Covid-19 world and Outlast Arts and Education (formerly Outlast Film Camp).
Photo Description: LaTerrian sits with campers from Outlast Arts and Education (formerly Outlast Film Camp).
NH: Hey LaTerrian, thank you for being our first featured member! Tell our members about yourself and what you're about?
LT: Hey! My name is LaTerrian and I’m the Director and Founder of Outlast Arts and Education (formerly Outlast Film Camp), which teaches Black and Indigenous youth film and media skills. I recently transitioned to working in education, in addition to running Outlast. Prior to that, I worked in the camera department in film and television.
NH: In our current Covid-19 focused world, how are you holding up?
LT: This has been crazy and I’m definitely feeling a range of emotions. Some days, I feel okay and other days, overwhelmed and frustrated. But I’m trying to go easy on myself and not stress about needing to be super production.
NH: Outlast is your baby, but the film camp is hosted on reservations. How are the kids doing?
LT: I check in and for the most part, the kids seem okay. I’m sure they’re stressed, giving how hard Covid is hitting some of the reservations and the lack of resources and funding from the government. But they have really strong communities to lean into. And they’re kids! So they’re memeing their way, through. I’ve been encouraging people to spread the word about how reservations have been impacted and donate, if they can.
NH: What are your plans for the next program with Covid-19 in mind?
LT: Originally, we were planning a July camp, but obviously, we can’t do that right now. We are still determined to hold programming for the kids this year, if at all possible. Right now, we’re exploring the possibility of a winter camp. It’ll likely be scaled back due to loss in fundraising ability this year, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to creating with the kids.
NH: What is the most important thing people should know about Outlast?
LT: Outlast is more than a film camp. It’s about pushing back against misrepresentation of oppressed groups in popular media. We really focus on creating an environment where they have the tools and the creative freedom to create media that is true and unique to their voices. We also aspire to create lifelong relationships with kids, while bridging gaps between historically marginalized groups. Outlast is ran by all people of color and women. The kids get to see parts of themselves in their educators. We have had a lot of success, as well. The kids work has been featured in TeenVogue, Refinery29 and IndianCountryToday.
NH: You have a lot of things beginning and ending. What are you the most excited about?
LT: I’m moving to Memphis to start teaching elementary school, while going to grad school! It marks such a huge changes in my life. I went from working full time in film while running Outlast, to teaching and going to school while running Outlast! I’m excited, because education is so important and students of color should see themselves represented in the classroom. I’m excited to start working with kids in this additional capacity!
NH: With you starting over in Memphis, what are your needs as a student, educator and founder? Are there ways for SMRT Kooky members to help?
LT: We always need help! Outlast in totally grassroots, so we exist thanks to small donations from people from all over and from social media buzz. It’s always extremely helpful for people to follow our instagram and share with their friends and family the work we’re doing.
NH: What's the number one action people can take?
LT: Following us on social media and sharing the students work. And if feelings so inclined and able, donating.
Photo Description: LaTerrian stands in a park landscape. She wears a black t-shirt with “Black Girl Magic” across the front in white text and blue jeans.
About LaTerrian
LaTerrian is a graduate from The University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. LaTerrian has been involved in projects such as Spiderman: Homecoming, Black Panther, and True Detective Season 3. Although she’s shot music videos, short films and documentaries, LaTerrian is changing gears and putting her full focus on education.
LaTerrian is the Director and Founder of Outlast Arts and Education, a non-profit organization that brings film education to underserved youth in Black and Native communities.
Image Description: Outlast Arts & Education logo. The logo is a tricolor fist, representing solidarity, and the words Outlast Arts & Education beneath.
About Outlast Arts and Education
Outlast Arts and Education is a volunteer based initiative that facilitates community based education spaces for Black and/or Indigenous students. We host film and media camps, leadership workshops, community building events and provide educational resources for our students. We are community and socially justice minded and work to contribute to the reversal of the effects of colonization on our communities.