I’m Makenzie Francis…

I was born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It is a tight-knit community that thrives on high school football—Go Bulldogs! I am a new graduate of Shepherd University. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and New Media, and a minor in Studio Art. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and my pets. My perfect day would end in a night out at the movies.

Art is my passion. My late grandfather was a painter. He inspired me to pick up my first paint brush. Painting quickly became natural to me. I was enamored with the brush strokes. I knew that I wanted to explore more outlets to express my creativity.

As I was sitting in a movie theater for the midnight premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy, a thought occurred to me. I want to make something as awesome as this!

I love the art of storytelling. Creating a whole world crafted to be presented as a motion picture is enthralling! I love screenwriting, editing, and directing.

Polynesian

I am a proud Polynesian woman. My father is Samoan and my mother is white. In Samoan terms, I am considered “Afakasi”—or half and half. Growing up in a primarily white and black community, owning my ethnicity was difficult. Always being asked “what I was?” became dehumanizing at times. I was too brown to be white, but too white to be black. I never visually had a place amongst the classroom. I was a minority.

As a young adult, I have discovered a new sense of appreciation and inspiration for my culture. Being Afakasi is empowering. I am Samoan with white roots, and I am deeply thankful for the diversity I have been exposed to. I aspire to be a face for Polynesians in the entertainment industry.

RESUME