“I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.”
These words rest at the top of Mecca McDonald’s website. For many, it may be viewed as a catchphrase, a mantra, a formula even. But to the 27-year-old filmmaker, director, producer and actress, these words are a personal conviction to her promise to always highlight, showcase and celebrate Black love stories in its purest form.
But this wasn’t necessarily where Mecca thought she’d end up.
Picture a 10-year-old girl—young, spirited and expressive in every childlike way imaginable—channeling this energy into what she thought was her ticket to passion, the art of dance. Loving the freedom and expression that came with movement, Mecca was first introduced to the “art of storytelling” in physical form and thought that would be what she would do for the rest of her life. However, it was a trip to her grandmother’s house that changed her trajectory forever.
A cultural enthusiast, Mecca’s grandmother was enthralled with Black sitcoms centered around our lives and stories. So much so, that she would record her favorites weekly on a VHS tape (Remember those?). This “archive” became the bridge between Mecca and her love for storytelling. After her grandmother’s passing, many of Mecca’s days were structured around studying the contents of those videotapes. Iconic TV shows like “227,” “Amen,” “The Cosby Show” and (of course) “A Different World” became her syllabus where she studied her craft. It was through these visual experiences that her love for “the culture” was born—and when she realized she wanted to share Black stories.
Now, more than 15 years later with that same expressive and optimistic lens, Mecca is not only sharing Black love stories, she’s also honoring them. Through her production house, Where The Lights Are Productions, she shares introspective stories of Black love, nostalgia and romance, like the sentimentally fun YouTube series “Crush” and her critically-acclaimed short film titled “The Apartment.” Her work can be described as a stunning blend of romance, beauty and jazz, all wrapped in a sultry, cinematic universe that captivates you in the first frame and holds you until the very last. Sis is DEFINITELY one to watch!
Mecca recently sat down with The Block to candidly discuss her journey, her process, why Debbie Allen is “goals” and the importance of representation and inclusivity in film and media—plus the one thing she will NEVER do in production again.
Watch and share below as she insightfully and powerfully tells why every creative should learn to create and thrive out of their own convictions:
