By: Lennard James
Katrina Sykes, a writer and film director at OTS Films, is on a mission to transform the narrative landscape through her upcoming venture, 1ShotEntertainment. Having spent her life immersed in storytelling, Katrina is now focused on creating diverse and imaginative works that challenge the norms of Black cinema and bring fresh perspectives to the screen.
Katrina’s passion for storytelling started early, a journey that began when she was just eight years old. In the aftermath of her parents’ divorce, she sought refuge in writing, using it as a tool for expression and healing. Writing became her way of navigating the emotional complexities of her new reality. It provided her with a means to channel her experiences into creativity, giving her a voice when she felt she had none. Her first significant work came in the form of an anti-bullying stage play, which was performed by a third-grade class at her school. This experience sparked her love for theater and performance, and for years, she remained passionate about stage work.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point for Katrina. With the world coming to a standstill and social interaction limited, she found herself drawn to a new form of storytelling: screenwriting. With more time to reflect and explore her creative instincts, she began working on what would become one of her defining projects—CRAPS. The film emerged from her experiences as a bartender, where she would often overhear men discussing their relationships and personal struggles. When the world slowed down, Katrina took the opportunity to channel those conversations into a screenplay that offered a unique perspective on relationships, specifically from the viewpoint of Black men.
Katrina’s creative approach stands apart from traditional Black cinema, which often focuses on narratives related to gangs or street life. While she holds deep respect for the genre, her vision is broader. She seeks to break free from the stereotypes often imposed on Black filmmakers, especially those from her hometown of Memphis. “I want my work to reflect diverse and imaginative stories that step beyond the stereotypes often associated with Black culture,” she explains. For Katrina, it’s essential to create stories that allow Black audiences to see themselves in new lights, exploring themes that go beyond the familiar tropes.
With CRAPS, Katrina delves into relationship dynamics from a Black male perspective, an area she believes has been largely overlooked in cinema. “Some might say it’s like a male version of Waiting to Exhale, but there’s something more to it,” she says. In crafting CRAPS, she aims to fill a void by telling stories about Black men’s experiences with love, vulnerability, and identity—topics often neglected in mainstream narratives. By doing so, Katrina is not only expanding the scope of Black storytelling but also opening the door for more diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.
As a filmmaker, Katrina refuses to be confined by societal expectations of what a Black woman storyteller should create. Her work is characterized by a bold rejection of rules and norms, embracing the freedom to let her imagination run wild. “There are no rules when it comes to creativity,” she affirms. This fearless approach is at the heart of her filmmaking philosophy, allowing her to break barriers and defy expectations. Whether exploring sci-fi or alternative genres, Katrina is committed to pushing the boundaries of what Black cinema can be.
Katrina’s journey is a testament to the idea that “roses really do grow from concrete.” She has embraced her unique voice as a storyteller, taking risks to create films that challenge conventional wisdom. Writing CRAPS, a film focused on Black men’s relationship struggles, was a bold move for a Black woman filmmaker, but it has proven to be a defining moment in her career. It’s in these unconventional choices that Katrina finds her power as a creator.
Looking ahead, Katrina remains committed to developing stories that challenge the status quo and bring new narratives to life. Her ultimate goal with 1ShotEntertainment is to take audiences on journeys they’ve never experienced before, offering a fresh perspective on Black life and experience. “Always aim high, and if you miss, you’ll still land on something,” she says. This mantra reflects her unwavering drive to continue creating films that inspire, challenge, and move people.
As Katrina embarks on this next phase of her career, she’s not just building a casting and directing company—she’s reshaping the way stories are told, one shot at a time. Through her work, she is proving that there is no limit to what Black cinema can achieve, as long as the stories come from a place of truth, imagination, and courage. For more information about OTS Films visit: OTSFILms
Published by: Khy Talara
