Lighting the Flame: The Story Behind Fire Lily

Film Producer and Director of Programming at Women in Film and Television Ohio (WIFTOHIO), Joyce Allen, speaks on rallying Cleveland’s creative spirit to help bring Fire Lily to life.

At Cleveland Camera Rental, we’re passionate about supporting storytellers who use film to spark conversation and inspire change. Fire Lily is one of those projects. This cinematic short blends various art forms to explore a powerful social reckoning, brought to life by an extraordinary team of local and global creatives.

We chatted with Cleveland’s own Joyce Allen, producer of Fire Lily and Director of Programming for WIFTOHIO, to talk about the film’s vision, the collaboration behind it, some unforgettable on-set moments, and what’s next for this transformative project.

About the Project: The Vision Behind Fire Lily

Cleveland Camera Rental: For someone who doesn’t already know - what is Fire Lily about?

Joyce Allen: Fire Lily is a bold, 15-minute cinematic short where a police encounter fractures into something surreal: a reckoning told through poetry, dance, music and myth.

Cleveland Camera Rental: You have an incredible team + collaborators for this project! Can you talk a bit about who helped bring this project to life? How did it feel to see such a powerful mix of local and global voices come together around this project?

Joyce Allen: Our incredible team came together through a series of encounters at various film festivals, where director Phil Dunn connected with myself, Ashley Cole, Obadiah Baker, Stacey Malone, and Theresa Godly.  Phil later approached Kim Magnusson, who immediately shared a belief in the project and came on board. Theresa Godly then introduced Alesha Dixon to Fire Lily, and she became deeply passionate about the story, ultimately joining as Executive Producer.

What makes this collaboration so special is that it was both local and global. We had Cleveland-based creatives working alongside internationally recognized voices, all united by a shared belief in the story. Seeing that blend of perspectives come together was powerful. It reminded us that storytelling transcends geography. When people connect to the heart of a story, borders disappear, and what remains is collaboration, trust, and a collective commitment to creating something meaningful.

Cleveland Camera Rental: You developed an Arts in Motion filmmaking summer program to encourage and educate young filmmakers in Cleveland to aid in the production for Fire Lily. What does it mean to you to be able to inspire the next generation of voices in cinema?

Joyce Allen: Honestly, it means everything to me. I’m from Cleveland, so being able to create opportunities for young people here is personal. Through Art in Motion, our interns didn’t just learn about filmmaking, they experienced it. For me, inspiring the next generation of voices in cinema is about access and mentorship. It’s about opening doors so they can see themselves in this industry and know their stories matter.

Cleveland Camera Rental: Your Seed and Spark campaign raised a ton! It’s amazing to see how many people are passionate about the film’s message. What do you think it was about this story that inspired so many people to rally behind it?

Joyce Allen: The exceptional success of your Seed and Spark campaign highlights the strong connection people have with the film’s message. We believe the story resonated because it united supporters around important social issues, offering them both a sense of purpose and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to positive change through creative expression.

Special On-Set Moments

Cleveland Camera Rental: What’s a quiet behind-the-scenes moment that stayed with you?

Joyce Allen: Filming after hours on a Friday evening at the Tri-C Metropolitan Campus provided one of our most sacred moments on set. In a studio filled with haze and low light, Nehemiah Spencer delivered a performance so graceful it felt as though he merged with the space around him. The room went completely silent; for a few minutes, the entire crew stopped breathing. Seeing tears in the eyes of our team confirmed that what we were filming was more than just a scene, it was a core memory for everyone involved.

Cleveland Camera Rental: Was there a particular shot, scene, or moment that you’re especially proud of?

Joyce Allen: More than any single scene, we are proud of the culture we built on set. We operated with a majority women-led crew, placing women in key roles they don't traditionally occupy. This wasn't just about representation; it was about excellence. Working alongside members of Women in Film & Television Ohio, our crew created an empowering atmosphere that allowed our leading cast—Nehemiah Spencer, Al Lafleur and Ashley Cole, to deliver their most moving work. Everyone involved felt they were part of something transformative, and we are so proud that this inclusive approach resulted in such a visually and emotionally stunning project.

Cleveland Camera Rental: What was the most challenging day of the shoot and why?

Joyce Allen: The most challenging day was our final shoot at a remote park. Our lead, Neahmiah Spencer, and the Djapo Cultural Arts Dancers had to contend with unforgiving conditions: biting cold and prickly terrain underfoot, all while we raced against a disappearing sun.  Yet, despite the physical toll, the atmosphere was electric. The struggle produced a raw, moving energy that resulted in some of the most beautiful footage of the entire production

Gear and Equipment: On Being a Cleveland Camera Rental Grant Recipient

Cleveland Camera Rental: Your film was selected as a grant recipient for Cleveland Camera Rental’s rental credit grant program! How did receiving the grant affect your film’s production?

Joyce Allen: We are deeply thankful to be selected as a grant recipient by Cleveland Camera Rental. Their generous support made our film possible. Access to professional-grade equipment allowed us to produce a visually compelling project that meets the industry quality standards while delivering a powerful and meaningful message. The grant also allowed us to redirect resources toward essential production needs, ensuring our cast and crew were fully supported throughout the filming process.

Reflection: The Lasting Impact

Cleveland Camera Rental: What do you hope audiences feel when the credits roll?

Joyce Allen: When the credits roll, we hope audiences feel as if they've just experienced a truly transformational cinematic masterpiece. We want viewers to leave the theater moved, inspired, and reflecting on the story long after the film ends. Our goal is for the emotions and themes to resonate, encouraging meaningful conversations and a lasting connection to the film.

What’s Next?

Cleveland Camera Rental: What is the anticipated release date of Fire Lily and where is the film expected to premiere?

Joyce Allen: Fire Lily is currently being submitted to major film festivals around the world. While official dates are still pending, our ideal premiere would be at the Cannes International Film Festival. We believe the film’s artistic vision and global themes align beautifully with the international platform Cannes provides. There will soon be a private screening for cast, crew and supporters.

Cleveland Camera Rental: Please let us know how our audience can keep up with this project!

Joyce Allen: You can find us on Instagram @firelily_film and Firelilyfilm.com!

It’s an honor to support films like Fire Lily that not only showcase cinematic excellence but also uplift voices, empower communities, and push storytelling beyond boundaries. We’re proud to have played a small role in bringing this vision to life and can’t wait to see where the journey leads next.

To follow Fire Lily’s festival run and upcoming screenings, be sure to connect with the team on Instagram and stay tuned for more updates.

Fire Lily Film Credits:

UK Team Collaborators: Phil Dunn (Writer/ Director), Theresa Godly (Producer) and Alesha Dixon (EP) , US Team, Joyce Allen (Producer) Ashley Cole ( Associate Producer), Obadiah Baker (EP) Rashaud Polk(DP). Tender Hearts Crusades, Women in Film TV Ohio. BTS Photos - Shelly Duncan Photography 1ST AD- Stacey Malone (1st AD) and  Lauren Mcbride (Producers Assistant) , Lillian Pyles, CSA (Casting)

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