We're honored to kick off 2024 with the esteemed Cheryl Dunye, a world-renowned filmmaker and director of episodic television. Cheryl's work includes the groundbreaking 1996 film The Watermelon Woman, which is part of the permanent cinema collection at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and was added to the Criterion Collection in 2023. She's also directed episodes of The Umbrella Academy, Bridgerton, and Queen Sugar, among many other shows. Born in Liberia and raised in Philly, Cheryl is now rooted in the Town’s vibrant filmmaking community, having founded Jingletown Films, an Oakland-based production company. Hear her talk about five of her favorite tunes of the moment, the emotional places they take her, and the big wide cinematic possibilities that music can open up.

Cheryl's Selections:

5. Joan Armatrading - "Cool Blue Stole My Heart"

4. Chilly Gonzales - "Gogol"

3. Elis Regina - "Upa, Neguinho"

2. Wildcookie - "Serious Drug (Instrumental Version)"

1. Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir- "Like a Ship"

Learn more about Cheryl's work and Jingletown Films here