“Paige Polk is a filmmaker and visual activist. Based in Brooklyn, she’s exploring the intersection of art and advocacy, where the political and the creative coexist. With projects in the US and abroad, Paige is unpacking gender, heritage, and sexuality with multimedia storytelling. Her work has been featured in publications like Quirktastic, Abernathy, and Afripop Magazine. She’s also both a White House South by South Lawn Nominee and NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Fellow. A Media Studies Master’s student at Pratt Institute, she reads lots of books about the beauty of living.”
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STREETSTYLE DETAILS: Outfit, Vintage from 28 Scott VIntage
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“I never set out to focus on film. I studied anthropology in school, thinking I was going to be a museum curator. But I was naturally drawn to film because it’s a way to tell stories while building a community of your own. Since my first job at an installation art gallery, my work has always involved community interaction. But while living in Lima, Peru I got my introduction to community organizing and started blending that work with media. I documented an oral history of Afro-Peruana elders. The next step was picking up a camera, then I started making my own film projects...and never stopped.”
“I start my days pretty early, around 5AM, because it gives me time to process what I want out of my day before any of my obligations kick in. I try not to press the snooze button (that’s a trap for your day), I grab a glass of water and then my notepad. I write down three things that I want to accomplish for me. Non-work-related goals for the next 24 hours.”
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Outfit, Vintage
“The ethical obligations of crowdfunding are precisely why I chose to use this method. I want to see financial and administrative transparency implemented in the independent film world. Transparency keeps our supporters informed, our team accountable, and both parties interacting and feeling involved. The process also makes storytelling a less daunting endeavor, encouraging inclusive storytellers to create regardless of their background. ”
“My favorite and least favorite part of what I do is the flexibility. I’m grateful that I can travel anywhere anytime to do my job. I’ve met phenomenal people in art, culture, social justice, education, and politics – and I do my best to have that diversity of thought impact my work. However, that versatility comes with a lot of work. Being a freelance artist is a commitment and it forces you to take time management and mental health very seriously if you want it to be sustainable.”
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“Beautiful Things is a filmmaking transparency project and QTPOC intergenerational love story. The film follows Mona and Hazel, with a romance nuanced by motherhood, young adulthood and a Brooklyn Backdrop. The project also shows a mother as a complex human being influenced by heartache, ambition, guilt and sexuality. I wrote and am directing the script, so naturally I’m very attached to the project. I was romantically involved with someone who was a bit older and I left the situation feeling confused. This was my way of figuring out the situation for myself, so the emotions in the script are very real. However, my years learning and growing in Brooklyn hugely influence the setup and circumstances.”
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“I buy pretty much all my clothes at 28 Scott Vintage in Bushwick! It’s a locally owned shop and boutique with a fantastic spread and an even better energy. As far as my personal style, I can’t get enough of mixing patterns and colors. Whether I’m wearing menswear or a pleated skirt, I believe a bold fabric makes an outfit complete.”
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“I LOVE love stories – projects that show the different ways love exists and interacts with our lives. Right now, I’m jotting down ideas about parent-child love, and how that relationship shifts over time. The transition is filled with hope, confusion, and power dynamics that I’m excited to unpack.”
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Outfit, Vintage
Paige's favorite books
“Where Sea and Sky Meet is a chapbook co-written by a talented poet and friend, LaLa Bolander She’s out here blending nature’s love with storytelling and I’m so here for her work.”
“I try to keep beauty as simple as possible, keeping a makeup free face with the exception of occasional bold lipstick and eyeliner. But my mom taught me that your eyebrows are the most important feature on your face. I’ve come to agree with her because they really do change the way your whole face looks. I actually keep spare tweezers in my bag in case of emergencies.”
Paige's favorite beauty products
“I’ve learned to be honest with myself about what I have time for and what I’m capable of offering - and that includes personal time. Eating and sleep are not options. Carry a water bottle with you always. Say ‘no’ and mean it when you do. When you juggle a lot of responsibilities, you have to remember to prioritize yourself as the most important one.”
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