Allison A. Waite, one of this year’s student academy winners in the Documentary (Domestic Film Schools) category, is an LA native who grew up in Inglewood and her documentary film, “The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins” is about the 1991 tragedy that is considered to have contributed to the 1992 LA riots.
The film is told through Tybie O’Bard, one of Latasha’s childhood friends and Latasha’s cousin, Shinese Harlins. The family’s retellings will paint a vivid portrait of 80s Los Angeles. Collected narratives from her best friend and cousin will work to reveal intimate stories that will not only shed light on the political climate during the LA riots but also help to show details of Latasha’s death and who her killer Soon Ja Du actually was. Click here to watch trailer! The USC 547 film is directed by Allison Waite, and produced by Menu Ette Silver and Andres Correa.
Allison, along with other winners, will be celebrated at the Student Academy Awards virtual ceremony happening this Wednesday, October 21.
BIO: Allison A. Waite is an award-winning director and cinematographer. She obtained her MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in Film & Television Production with a cinematography concentration as a George Lucas Foundation Scholar. Filmmaking is her activism tool of choice; she aims to give unresolved stories a voice and spark connections within her community. In addition, Allison has received recognition such as the Princess Grace Foundation HBO film Award and a Student Academy Award for her film “The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins. Link to website: https://www.thedopeyears.com/
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