Diana Childs Is Audacious: Writing, Acting, and Owning the Narrative with Mirrors
Author
Samson Henry
Date Published
There is something powerful about creatives who refuse to wait for permission and Diana Childs is one of them.
Her latest film, Mirrors, leans into the quiet, honest moments of marriage. The story follows a husband and wife as they look back on ten years of love, chaos, growth, silence, and sacrifice. It is intimate. It is stripped down. And it is deeply human.
Starring Kunle Remi and Diana Childs, directed by Yemi 'Filmboy' Morafa and written by Diana herself, the two-cast film focuses on everyday moments that define real relationships. No distractions. Just love, tension, laughter, and the hard truths that come with commitment.
PartyJollof Africa sat down with her to talk about ownership, creativity, vulnerability, and the audacity it takes to choose yourself.
PartyJollof Africa: You don't just perform stories, you create them. When did you realize you wanted ownership over the narrative and not just participating in it?
Diana Childs: When I was told no over and over again because my stories didn’t conform to the norm, I knew I had to create my own opportunities. I started writing quite young and though some of my scripts were purchased and made into movies, I got more nos than yeses. I wasn’t going to let my talent go unnoticed, so I made my own pathway.
PartyJollof Africa: As someone who moves between acting, writing and producing, do those roles ever conflict with each other creatively?
Diana Childs: Initially it did, because I never planned to be a producer, so adapting to it took a moment. But once I did, it’s been great. I know how to navigate all three without being overwhelmed.
PartyJollof Africa: What part of the filmmaking process feels the most vulnerable for you between performing, writing or producing and why?
Diana Childs: All three feel vulnerable to me because whatever I do, I do passionately. But if I had to pick one, I’d say writing. That’s my first love and where I feel the safest. Writing gives me a sense of freedom and audacity. I’m able to let my mind wander.
PartyJollof Africa: In an industry where many creatives wait to be chosen, you chose yourself. Was that intentional or necessary?
Diana Childs: Both. I am my number one cheerleader. I blow my own trumpet until my choir joins in. And it was necessary. After several nos, I gave myself a yes.
PartyJollof Africa: As a writer, how do you deal with writer’s block?
Diana Childs: I listen to lots of music. I focus on the words and create short plays in my head. It’s a process I’ve used for years and it works. When that doesn’t work, I take a break. I get on with life until the phase passes. I truly believe I’m a born writer, so the block never stays for long.
PartyJollof Africa: What inspired you to write Mirrors, and why the decision to make it a two-hander film?
Diana Childs: I love writing relatable stories that resonate with people. As a writer, it’s my job to inspire and start conversations, and that’s what I wanted with Mirrors. I wanted something married, engaged, and even single people could connect with. As long as you’ve been in a relationship before, there’s something in Mirrors for you. The good, the hard, and the ugly.
The decision to focus on two characters was deliberate. I wanted to keep the spotlight on the issues I was addressing. There was nowhere for the actors to hide. The conversations had to be confronted. I touched on different forms of abuse that can exist within romantic relationships because these things are important to talk about.
PartyJollof Africa: The feedback from Mirrors has been great so far. How does that make you feel?
Diana Childs: Inspired to do more. Humbled by the feedback. And grateful to God for His grace and for blessing me with the talents of writing and acting.
PartyJollof Africa: So what next for Diana Childs?
Diana Childs: More great movies that inspire and start conversations.
PartyJollof Africa: When viewers finish watching Mirrors, what conversation do you hope they have with themselves?
Diana Childs: Truthful conversations about commitment. Is love enough? And questions around societal norms and expectations.
PartyJollof Africa: What does success look like for Diana Childs?
Diana Childs: Being happy in its truest form.
PartyJollof Africa: In one word, what describes your creative process?
Diana Childs: Audacity.
The movie Mirrors is not loud or flashy. It sits with you. It holds up a reflection and asks uncomfortable but necessary questions about love, endurance, and what we choose to tolerate in the name of commitment.
If you’re looking for something thoughtful to watch, head over to Diana Childs TV on YouTube and watch Mirrors. Then have the conversation.
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