How did you choose your topic? (OR: Why was this topic important to you?)
I choose to discuss the problems in Darfur because; I am a student in Pan-African Studies. In my studies I found that it is important to highlight the horrors that particularly destroy the lives of African and African descended women. The conflict in Darfur has disrupted the lives of millions and killed hundreds of thousands. Women, in this situation, face racial and gendered oppression that if not highlighted, can be forgotten. I don’t want the voices of those women to be ignored or unheard. This is why I decided to write Burning Monkey in Darfur.

Before this contest, did you consider yourself fairly knowledgeable about global issues? Has this contest opened your eyes in any way?
I considered myself knowledgeable about international issues; however, I admit that I had not paid this issue enough attention. The contest has definitely opened my eyes and helped me to understand the complexities of the situation. Before I write a piece on a specific issue, I always do research to ensure that my words are not false. While researching Darfur, I read many articles and realized that this issue is one of extreme importance. It should not be ignored because people are dying, being raped, and kidnapped on a daily basis. A solution must be found and soon.

Did you have any weird, funny, horrible, or in some ways memorable moments during the making of this film for the contest?
I filmed this poem a million times. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get it right. I didn’t finish until about 3 a.m. This was also my first time using Windows Movie Maker. It was vital that I learned how to use it because I recorded myself and I didn’t want the part that I reached for the camera to be in the video. Though it was hard work, the whole experience was fun and I learned a lot. 

Anything else you’d like the viewers to know?
The poem was only about 1 minute and 50 seconds but it took me about 2 days to write it. I wanted to make sure that it was factually based and emotionally engaging.