Erika Lobati shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Erika, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Songwriting! In my free time, it’s fulfilling to write lyrics and arrange tunes in Logic Pro X. Music has always been a healing escape for me that brings me back to my days of poetry and spoken word. Putting the words and sounds in my head on the page or a timeline brings me a lot of joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erika Lobati, and I’m a multimedia storyteller currently based in Philadelphia. I’m an Associate Producer/Editor for The Dodo from 9 to 5, and an indie filmmaker all other hours of the day. When I’m not busy covering heartwarming animal stories for social media, I independently write, direct, and produce my own films.
I’ve always embraced exploration across creative forms, nurturing my interests in theatre, music, stand-up, and poetry. Honing an interdisciplinary craft releases me from convention and encourages novel ways of approaching each new project. After all, storytelling is storytelling no matter the form.
Although I refuse to confine myself to a single genre/form, my identity as a Cameroonian American woman will forever fuel my representation of Black women on the page and the screen. As such, I am excited to continue polishing my historical fiction, romance feature screenplay “Treat Me Well”, which recently won the grand prize at this year’s Haydenfilms 2.0 Screenwriting Competition.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think insecurity, fear, and shame are at the root of broken relationships. Sometimes we’re so afraid of being rejected that we assume the worst of those around us to beat them to the punch. So often, people make the negative thoughts swirling inside their heads mean that the world sees them the exact same way, even when the world is focused on its own insecurities.
Insecurity and fear can lead us to project and accuse others of the very negative things that we, in reality, tell ourselves. When we marry our insecurities and commit to our fears as though they are fact, the world becomes colored with that filter, and no one can convince you otherwise. And then the shame makes it impossible to speak up about how you’re truly feeling, so then you can’t work out and move through those negative thoughts.
But on the other hand, transparency, humility, and hope restore our broken relationships. Being honest about our fears and open about our worries with others and ourselves allows us to break free and shed our limiting beliefs. Having even a small shred of hope that there are people in our corner who we have met and have yet to meet can help us take those first steps of connection. Of course, there will always be an “antagonist” or two in our life story who don’t have our best interest in mind, but that is a risk we have to be willing to take to find the good relationships.
Believing both in the goodness of people and the resilience within ourselves allows us to fiercely express our true selves and find authentic, supportive relationships, trusting that we will always be able to bounce back in the hard times.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up filmmaking my sophomore year of college after experiencing a traumatic health event that shook my life at the time. I was forced to slow down so much that I felt that I had lost the creative and academic abilities I once had. I wanted to drop out and start over a whole new career in my hometown, but I realized that was all coming from a place of fear. I had always prided myself on efficiency and high performance, and I wasn’t able to give that same standard, so I assumed that I was becoming a failure.
But then my sister and my cousin casually taught me an important lesson. During the pandemic, we were putting together a jigsaw puzzle of thousands of pieces, and I was disheartened by how long it was taking us to put it together. It felt like we weren’t getting anything done. My cousin calmly picked up a puzzle piece and connected it to its match, and then he said, “Progress is being made.” My sister did the same and repeated it, and we all continued working at a snail’s pace, jokingly celebrating each small step of progress being made in a sea of puzzle pieces. They were right. Even if it wasn’t the picture-perfect pace I wanted it to be, and even though I couldn’t see it yet, progress was being made.
I never forgot that day. I realized that there are times when life will give you resistance and force you to slow down. You can take that as a sign to give up because you’re not working in the most ideal way, or you can take it as a sign to grow, even if it’s messy. Keep going, because on the other side of the resistance is a breakthrough, even if you don’t see it yet.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I am incredibly inspired by the musician Raye. She is a brilliant songwriter and vocalist who has led her career with resilience. To me, Raye exudes kindness and authenticity, which shines in all of her work. I still remember the chills in my body from the first time I listened to “Oscar Winning Tears” and “Escapism”.
Raye was held back by her previous record label from releasing music until she was able to finally break free. She found success independently by releasing her album “My 21st Century Blues”. This album is a powerful ode to the highs and lows in her own life. Her songwriting and vocal artistry allowed that album to platform many raw issues, including heartbreak, addiction, sexual violence, and even climate change. Her songs are unashamed and uncensored; the soul within her music always touches my heart.
Having battled the wild west of the music industry, Raye is bold and fearless for being so outspoken about the exploitation of writers and musicians in the industry machine by major record labels. I respect how Raye speaks out so with such grace and honesty, holding to her values. She persevered and found her own freedom and success against all odds.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
There have been many times as a filmmaker when I felt endless stress during a waiting period, whether I’m waiting to hear back from a grant or film festival application or another opportunity. I am always grateful for my “wins” as a filmmaker, but at some point, I realized that I hardly celebrated for as long as I worried in the waiting.
Now, I try to seek gratitude in the waiting period, reflecting on all that I have overcome to be present and thankful for the experiences I have received rather than hyperfixating on a best-scenario outcome that hasn’t happened yet. This is certainly easier said than done, but it can be so rewarding to celebrate yourself now instead of waiting for someone else to give you permission to. It teaches you to remember your worth outside of titles and accolades.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/erikalobati/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_lobati/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-lobati-b0410a162/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@erika_lobati?si=c2IITmrsBZm8H8pH
