Alile Sharon Larkin is a dynamic and versatile artist-educator who has made a profound impact on the world of film and video making, boasting a career that has spanned an impressive four decades.
Notable educational institutions have been fortunate enough to have Larkin's exceptional teaching expertise, with her having taught at the 32nd Street/USC Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School for a remarkable period of over 20 years.
Larkin, a multifaceted educator, has garnered widespread recognition and accolades for her remarkable teacher-produced films, which captivate audiences by showcasing students' learning experiences in a variety of subjects.
These subjects, ranging from the creative and practical world of textile arts to the engaging realms of storytelling, yoga, jazz, women's history, Kwanzaa, and African-American dance, have been expertly woven together by Larkin to create a tapestry of knowledge and understanding.
Her dedication to her craft has been rewarded with a total of 10 prestigious Video in the Classroom Awards, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire and educate her students.
As a result, Larkin's work has left a lasting impact on the educational landscape, serving as a shining example of the power of innovative teaching methods and the importance of nurturing a love of learning in students of all ages.
Larkin's feature film, "Your Children Come Back To You", is a thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece that offers a unique child's perspective on the complexities of wealth and social inequality. This poignant film has garnered significant attention in both the United States and Europe, providing a platform for important discussions on the issues of economic disparity.
Larkin's critically acclaimed film, "A Different Image", is a powerful exploration of self-identity, heritage, and perception, as seen through the eyes of an African-American woman. This outstanding film has received widespread critical acclaim, earning Larkin numerous prestigious awards, including first prize from the esteemed Black American Cinema Society. Additionally, "A Different Image" was recognized as the Best Production of 1981 by the Black Filmmaker Foundation, and was a runner-up for the best short film award at the renowned FILMEX.
The screenplay of "A Different Image" was later published in the esteemed academic publication "Screenplays of the African American Experience", released by Indiana University Press in 1991. This publication provides a valuable resource for scholars and film enthusiasts alike, offering a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs present in Larkin's work.
Malikyah Larkin's impressive body of work has been showcased in a variety of esteemed publications. One notable example is "Female Spectators" published by Verso Editions, London, which features her thought-provoking critical essay "Black Women Filmmakers Defining Ourselves". This exceptional piece of writing is a testament to Larkin's erudite insights and her commitment to amplifying the voices of black women in the film industry.
In addition to her work in "Female Spectators", Larkin has also contributed to "Charles Burnett: A Troublesome Filmmaker" released by Play-Doc Books in 2016. The publication features a prologue penned by Larkin, titled "Who Will Protect and Respect, Inspire and Nurture This Black Woman Filmmaker (For Charles and All the Brothers)". This powerful and poignant piece serves as a heartfelt tribute to Charles Burnett and all the black woman filmmakers who have paved the way for future generations.
Larkin, a multifaceted individual, has made a name for herself not only as a filmmaker but also as the founder of Dreadlocks and the Three Bears Productions, a pioneering production company that specializes in creating a wide range of Afrocentric and global multimedia and arts experiences tailored specifically for children and families.
Within the realm of her production company, Larkin has been actively involved in the development and production of various projects, with a particular focus on creating content that celebrates and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora.
In recent years, Larkin has revisited her long-standing passion project, the film "Tie-Dye", which has undergone a 26-year hiatus. This ambitious film, featuring a multigenerational crew including her own son and granddaughter, is a testament to Larkin's dedication to her craft and her commitment to creating high-quality, impactful content.
The film, which celebrates everyday life through the lens of global black music genres, boasts a soundtrack that is available for streaming on iTunes. Larkin's ultimate goal is to complete the DVD production and make it available to the public in 2017, bringing her vision to life and sharing it with a wider audience.
