Meet the Filmmakers
Directors Statement
Deborah L. Plummer, PhD
Director, Executive Producer, Producer
We are a group of women committed to addressing the challenge of racism. In 2020, amidst concerns about the rollback of civil rights gains and growing social polarization, we embarked on a journey to understand the causes and solutions to this issue. Working with over 350 Black and White women across the country, our documentary, Trust in Black & White, explores the complexities of building social trust and solidarity.
Focusing on women is strategic because they play a vital role in shaping culture and driving sustainable change. Women often identify community issues and are motivated to act. However, over the past decade, mistrust and fear, particularly between Black and White women, have intensified, leading to unnecessary divisions.
Our documentary reveals the challenges in fostering social trust, especially across racial lines. Despite differences in lived experiences and attitudes, as well as historical baggage, we've witnessed that building trust is possible, and we've documented these transformative moments.
Gender solidarity, beyond being a valuable end in itself, is crucial in addressing systemic racism. Women, especially Black and White women in solidarity, possess the potential to break down barriers that uphold systemic racism.
Through the transformative nature of film, we have captured the essence of gender solidarity in over 150 hours of footage, including experiences from our Bridging and Bonding Women’s Social Trust Retreat Weekend, expert interviews, and group interactions in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, Boston, and Los Angeles. Trust in Black & White is the first installment of a trilogy focusing on enhancing gender solidarity to achieve racial equity.
Filmmakers
Deborah L. Plummer, PhD
Director, Executive Producer, Producer
Debbie is a psychologist and Founder of Getting To We Productions that uses the arts to break down social barriers. As a film director and producer, she employs storytelling to create DEIB Edutainment™, fostering a world where open minds lead to improved human connections. Through participatory documentaries and learning burst videos, Debbie aims to unravel our shared core identity and cultivate a global community of better friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, and citizens. Her vision is a transformative space where individuals evolve into better humans through understanding and fearlessness.
Lori Stevic-Rust, PhD
Associate Director, Producer, Assistant Editor
Lori, a distinguished clinical health psychologist, media consultant, author, and award-winning keynote speaker, passionately advocates for women's empowerment and diversity. Her impactful talks encompass themes such as the health benefits of courage and gratitude, healthy aging, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life and business. As a creative professional, Lori lends her discerning eye for the artistic and dramatic aspects of film to enhance Getting to We Productions and DEIB Edutainment™, contributing to the development of participatory documentaries and learning burst videos.
Soraya Perry
Editor
Soraya Perry is a versatile artist, excelling as an editor, musician, actor, and visual artist. Her talent has earned her prestigious music and art residencies at institutions such as Vermont Studio Center, Worcester’s Collective-A-Go-Go, and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. With a notable editing portfolio, Soraya has contributed to projects for renowned entities like Forbes, HBO, and Blumhouse Productions. Notably, her short film "The Crack: An Origin Myth" achieved recognition as an official selection at both the In-Short Film Festival and Feminist Border Arts Film Festival.
Eleanor Hayes is a journalist and accomplished investigative reporter, holding multiple Emmy awards for her work. With a background in anchoring television news in Nashville, Milwaukee, Columbus, and her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, Eleanor has covered significant news events across the United States, Europe, and Cuba.
Her notable achievements include the Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award from the Death Penalty Information Center for her enterprise reporting on the wrongful imprisonment of an Ohio man. Recognized as Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists, Eleanor has also earned a place in the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Associate Director and Associate Producer
Eleanor Hayes
Directors of Photography
Trevor Kyle Hansford is a seasoned television director and cinematographer with over thirty years of experience on various sets. Proficient in all aspects of television production, from pre-production to postproduction, he has collaborated with major networks, production studios, and notable celebrities. Trevor also serves on the advisory board at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, CA, where he contributes to sustaining production and guiding future generations of storytellers.
Trevor Kyle Hansford
Donald Gregory is a seasoned Director of Photography with over 15 years of experience in the realm of filmmaking. His versatile expertise spans across corporate videos, compelling documentaries, and captivating narrative films. Donald’s passion extends even to the football field, where during the season, he showcases his skills as a camera operator for Cleveland Browns home games.
Fueled by a deep passion for cinematic storytelling, Donald revels in the multifaceted nature of his craft. He thrives on the intricate problem-solving aspects and cherishes the collaborative process inherent in filmmaking. For him, each project presents a distinct challenge, making every day a new adventure.
Donald views the art of cinematic storytelling as an exquisite blend of artistry and scientific precision. His commitment to his work echoes through his ability to seamlessly weave together visuals that captivate and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on audiences.