%20Screen%20Shot%202023-07-31%20at%208_12.jpg)
Who We Are
Our Story
​
The birth of Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival
I grew up in Pembroke Hall, an area in Kingston, Jamaica, the area was very diverse economically and socially I remember there being some families that were not as well off and a few Rastafarian families that lived in the neighborhood. People whispered about them labeled them "criminals", "trouble", not “our kind.” But what I saw with my own eyes was different especially with the Rastafarians: quiet morning prayers, laughter and joy that drifted into the road, a patience that met every side-eye with peace and love. As a kid, I wanted to be like them rooted, spiritual, unbothered by the noise of a people that clung to civility yet were anything but.
Watching the suffering of people during my childhood, I was drawn to anyone who offered relief, a way out. My hero became Michael Manley the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s People’s National Party. Their slogan "power to the people" resonated with me and life felt hopeful. His focus on workers and the poor shaped my belief that policy and culture should distribute dignity, not just resources.
Years later I found the language for what I felt: Luigi Taparelli, the 19th-century Jesuit who coined “social justice,”argued that society has moral duties to the common good. That idea met my Pembroke memories and became our
blueprint.
Pembroke Taparelli Arts & Film Festival (PTAFF) fuses lived experience with that moral framework. We use film and art to confront classism and colorism, racism, sexism, ablism, all the ism's, to make the invisible visible, and open real pathways through film screenings, panels, art exhibitions, mentorships, for creators who seek to move culture toward equity.
​​
artivism
Our Mission
​
The Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival (PTAFF) is committed to championing social justice, change and human rights through “Artivism” utilizing the powerful mediums of arts and entertainment. We aim to provide a platform where emerging and established filmmakers, visual and performing artists from all backgrounds, especially marginalized and underrepresented communities can showcase their work. We seek to raise awareness on pressing social issues, empower inspire change and stimulate dialogue on critical social matters. Lastly, we aim to create a global community that values the intersection of creativity and activism.
​
​
​
Vision For Growth
Our vision for PTAFF is to foster a world where arts and film serve as catalysts for profound societal transformation. We envision a future where diverse perspectives are not only celebrated but also actively sought after, where the narratives of underrepresented and marginalized communities are amplified, and where creativity and storytelling are driving forces behind positive change. PTAFF aims to grow by adding a traveling festival to our schedule, bringing its impactful programming to multiple locations across the United States and internationally. With Los Angeles as the opening festival location, PTAFF plans to expand to New York, Chicago Florida, and one international destination each year, ensuring broader accessibility and engagement.
The Nathan George, Nuse Dekka, and Sheri Rosenberg Awards
These awards will be given to three individuals or organizations in recognition of their willingness to take up the mantle of activism and use art to take action. We celebrate the fact that through their efforts the lives of others have been impacted positively. They have brought to light issues others have turned a blind eye to or been too afraid to address. We seek to celebrate and honor those individuals for their bravery, compassion, and love for humanity.
Our Board
Oriana MacLeod
​
-
Board Member
​
Oriana completed undergraduate studies in Creative Writing and Literature from Antioch University and her MFA at Antioch University Santa Barbara, in Writing and Contemporary Media. As a dedicated writer, she continues to find a way to showcase her artistic talents exploring themes that cut at the heart of American culture in relation to gender, race, and inequality.
An experienced creative artist with a demonstrated history of working within the literary industry. Skilled in Short Stories, Teleplays, Theatre Plays, Screenplays, and Social Media. Along with writing, she is dedicating her time to growing Tribal Pantheon Publishing based in Santa Monica and it’s subsidiary, OneHumanityAlliance.
Tiaunte Taru Kelly
​
-
Board Member
His career began when Tiaunte was hired by Steve Manning and Associates to work as a publicist for clients that included, LL Cool J, R. Kelly, Rev Run, and Michael Jackson. At this point, he decided that he wanted to know every part of the music industry so then he accepted a position at various labels from Miami and Atlanta which ultimately lead to a position with Hidden Beach Recordings/Epic/Sony where he joined forces with Thornell Jones and aided in the career launch of such artists, Michael Phillips, Kindred the Family Soul, and Jill Scott.
Tiaunte was inspired to produce films after a conversation with Michael Mann. Currently he is working a TV series titled Reverso which he created, produce and directs He has also acquired a producer position on "When We Pray" being executive produced by Jamie Foxx and "The Wraith" created by John Bines.
Sheila Edmonson
​
-
Board Member
Sheila Edmonson is the Founder and Principal Creative Strategist of SME Strategic Solutions, a boutique consultancy rooted in creativity, authenticity, and purpose. With a dynamic background that spans business development, government contracting, the arts, and entertainment.
Sheila brings decades of leadership experience to the table. As an author, coach, speaker, and actress, she seamlessly blends strategic clarity with powerful storytelling to help entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders design businesses that honor their values while driving sustainable growth.
Passionate about aligning vision with impact, Sheila has coached hundreds of business owners across industries from finance and hospitality to arts and culture guiding them to build purpose-driven enterprises.
Team
Michelle "Andrea Meshel" Smith ​
​
-
Founder/Festival Director
​
​
Michelle “Andrea Meshel” Smith, a native of Kingston Jamaica, started her career as a filmmaker in 2008 with a documentary entitled “I Wanna Be President.”
Michelle “Andrea Meshel” Smith loves and appreciates the power entertainment has to impact the lives of people around the globe. Along with Smith’s passion for the arts in its various forms, Smith has always been a strong proponent for Social Justice. The Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival is Smith's coupling of her love for the arts and her passion for social justice. She wanted to take action and provide a platform for those “Artivists” (artist and activist) who seek to use their artistic voice for social change.
Smith’s festival experience was honed during her stint as Programmer for the inaugural Diaspora program for the Hollywood Black Film Festival in 2013. Michelle “Andrea Meshel” Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Adelphi University, and a Juris Doctorate from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
H Harvey
​
-
Threads of Justice Coordinator
Harvey is a Texas Native with over 10 years of experience in the communications and public relationIations industries. Harvey is the founder of Early Riser Consulting LLC, which specializes in media production, content creation and publicity for clients across a variety of industries including film and entertainment.
Deirdre Fisher Kemp​
​
-
Co-Director - New York Festival
​
​
Deirdre Fisher-Kemp is a lover of the arts in all its forms. She is passionate about social justice, HIV/AIDS education and awareness and housing advocacy. In 2017, she co-founded PTAFF NYC and is excited to be a part of this unique festival that brings together artists and activists (artivist) fighting against injustice and oppression through the arts.
Jacob Jackson
-
Outreach Coordinator
​
Jacob Jackson, serves as the Outreach Coordinator. In this role, I connect our community to the resources and services we provide, helping ensure that support reaches those who need it most. I’m passionate about communication and love sharing information about the programs we offer.
Fun fact: Jacob is a follower of Christ, and my faith guides the way he serves and engages with others.
TERRAH BENNETT SMITH
​
-
Fashion Show Coordinator
​
Terrah Bennett Smith is an award-winning director, producer, writer, and actress with a dynamic career in film, television, and theater. A native New Yorker, she currently serves as Chief Content Officer for global production company Inyani Corp, which has two feature films in development and a music, arts, and fashion festival slated for 2025.
She made her directorial debut with the feature film Flip the Script and recently co-directed the award-winning film The Next Girl and the series Candy Rain. Terrah also co-executive produced, co-wrote, and stars in The Wright Turn, an 8-episode TV series. Her directing credits include Heart and Soul of a Champion (docuseries), After Midnight (talk show), The Los Angeles Bakers (feature), and the upcoming romantic comedy My Perfect Christmas.
On stage, she has directed and produced over fifteen productions, including the critically acclaimed musical Dick and Don’s Fabulous 60s Rock and Soul Spectacular and This Is My Story, This Is My Song. As an actress, she’s appeared in 68 Whiskey, Bosch, Games People Play, 9-1-1, E.R., General Hospital, and more.
A Billboard-charting singer/songwriter and ASCAP member, Terrah’s music has been featured in film and TV. As a passionate acting coach and mentor, she’s trained rising talent from the U.S., U.K., and China, and served as Executive Director of the C&C Teen Hollywood Film Festival, guiding young filmmakers in their creative pursuits.
Practitioner Michelle
​
-
Health and Wellness Director
Health and Wellness Director
Practitioner Michelle was born with a gift for healing. Summers in Tyler learning “granny medicines” and travels with her military family exposed her to diverse cultures and traditional healing practices.
Her personal journey deepened after being diagnosed with PTSD from sexual assault trauma. Through Transcendental Meditation and herbal remedies, she found peace and reawakened her inner healer. Transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle and formal training in holistic modalities further strengthened her path.
When faced with a fibroid diagnosis, Michelle discovered the powerful connection between mind, body, and heart. This inspired her to go deeper, both to heal herself and to guide others, leading to the creation of Soulfully Healthy Living.
She has studied with renowned teachers including Queen Afua (Sacred Woman), Yirser Ra Hotep (Kemetic Yoga), Lisa Powers (Reiki), the Herbal Academy, and IAWP. Michelle continues her studies to expand her knowledge and bring depth to her healing practices.
Selah Yisrael
​
-
Community Partnership Coordinator
Selah serves as community partnership coordinator. She is a full-time student at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and an intern with PTAFF. Passionate about community and healing, Selah is dedicated to creating safe spaces for unhoused families and youth — helping them rebuild, grow, and find hope again..