D. Smith: KOKOMO CITY, Authenticity, and Black Trans Representation Artwork

Rewriting Hollywood

An award-winning podcast featuring candid conversations about inclusion and social impact in Hollywood, hosted by Jared Milrad, who worked for President Obama and founded Movikarma, a nonprofit organization supported by Warner Bros. Discovery and Lionsgate that empowers underrepresented creative talent. Jared interviews acclaimed directors, writers, actors, producers and other changemaking creatives who are breaking barriers and overcoming adversity to have their stories told and voices heard. Join the conversation on Rewriting Hollywood to empower inclusive, impactful storytellers and harness the power of story for good.

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Rewriting Hollywood

D. Smith: KOKOMO CITY, Authenticity, and Black Trans Representation

July 17, 2023 • Movikarma • Season 4 • Episode 10

Jared Milrad interviews director D. Smith about her directorial debut, KOKOMO CITY, a documentary feature that focuses on the lives and stories of four Black trans sex workers in Atlanta and New York City. The film, edited and shot by Smith in bold black and white, is a refreshingly unfiltered portrayal of Black trans life. Holding nothing back, the film vibrates with energy, sex, challenge, and hard-earned wisdom. Executive produced by Lena Waithe, KOKOMO CITY won the Sundance Film Festival’s NEXT Innovator Award and NEXT Audience Award, as well as the Berlinale’s Audience Award in the Panorama Documentary section. D. discusses her career as a two-time Grammy-nominated producer, how her experiences in the music industry led her to filmmaking, and the importance of depicting authentic representations of trans life on-screen.

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Jared Milrad

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