The Studio620 is hosting an evening with the prolific filmmaker and musician Jennifer Msumba this Thursday, August 11, at 8 pm. The event will include a musical performance from Jennifer, the screening of three of her short films, and a Q&A session moderated by St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commissioner Tony Armer.

Msumba is an autistic filmmaker, musician and author who loves writing and performing. She is a member of American Mensa and is a Sundance Institute Fellow, and this immersive event will bring you into her world – and help you examine your own – through the art of storytelling.

Her films and music are positive, fun, and upbeat, while weaving a baseline of grit and strength born through adversity. Self-described as “once very shy,” Msumba says art has helped her learn to love performing. Tickets for the one-night experience are $10, and space is limited. You can find them here.

Msumba is best known for her award-winning film The Fish Don’t Care When It Rains, which is one of three shorts that will be shown on Thursday. The Studio620 shared a brief synopsis of each film.

Like the Girls Who Wear Pink

• A time-traveling video finds its way to 1981. A plea from the future, it serves as warning, woven together with hope and encouragement, for a young autistic girl. And perhaps for us all.
• WINNER: Best Florida Short Film, Key West Film Festival 2021
• NOMINEE: Best Florida Short Film, Sunscreen Film Festival 2022
• NOMINEE INDUSTRY AWARD: Dances with Films, 2022

The Fish Don’t Care When it Rains

• With humor and heart, autistic artist Jen Msumba demonstrates what the simple life of a fish can teach us about accepting our circumstances.
• WINNER: Best Short Documentary, Sunscreen Film Festival 2021
• NOMINEE: Best Film: Hope/Happiness/Positivity, Believe Psychology Film Festival, 2021
• NOMINEE: Grand Jury Prize, Florida Film Festival, 2022
• WINNER: Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, 2022

Heroes in Training

• Created for the 2022 Easterseels Disability Film Challenge. Four villains find redemption, and tap into their inner hero.
• Her newest film, no awards or film festivals yet.

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