Meet Chicava HoneyChild, Lead Actor who dominates as CEO Hillary Kelsey in the feature film TITLE VII.
by Justin Bramwell
As a main character, you are faced with the pressure of creating a memorable performance. The task seemed effortless for Chicava HoneyChild as she made a complex and challenging role her own in the feature film Title VII, by director Nicole Franklin. I had the pleasure of asking Chicava a few questions about her experience. Here’s what she had to say.
Chicava HoneyChild as Hillary Kelsey
Chicava HoneyChild is a burlesque dancer, actor, historian, teacher and producer. Her credits include work with Spike Lee, Robert Altman, and Taylor Mac. Her current projects are Sister Shake, a documentary and companion book on the legacy of Women of Color in burlesque heritage and Sacred Burlesque, which incorporates classic burlesque, modern striptease, pinches of Kundalini Yoga, Dunham dance, sacred sexuality, and energetic healing processes.
1. Name? Where are you from? Role in Title VII?
My name is Chicava HoneyChild. I’m from Boulder, CO and I play Hillary in Title VII.
2. Where did the name Chicava Honeychild originate?
Chicava means here comes the gold or the golden child. I am named after Chicaba, Sister Theresa Juliana of Santo Domingo, Spain. She was born in 1672 in Mina, the land we now call Ghana on the gold coast of Africa. She was kidnapped and abducted into slavery when she was about six. Known to be the daughter of a king she was gifted by King Charles of Spain to the Marquesa and Marquis of Mancera. She was freed at the Marquesa’s passing and pursued the life of a nun enduring great ordeals of racism and ill treatment at the only convent that would have her: One for fallen women and prostitutes. There she blossomed through the sharing of her spiritual gifts for healing and great great love. I am so glad she chose me to carry on her name. So yes, I am a stripper named after a nun.
3. You have the starring role. How do you describe this film to your colleagues and your fans?
A Type A career woman with some serious self-loathing issues has the worst day of her life.
4. Your career involves acting, dancing, and many years as a leading Burlesque performer. How did one set of skills influence the other?
Burlesque has loosened up my acting and made me a more integrated artist. Since it’s more self-contained and self-determined I’ve had the opportunity to create pieces that incorporate all three skills to tell stories in unique ways and access and embody emotions in ways you only can in performance art.
5. What is your favorite part of the Title VII movie (without spoiling it)?
The scene between Hillary and her dad.
6. What was your previous knowledge of the Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964?
I knew it existed and what it was about. Now I have a greater depth of understanding about the protections it’s meant to provide.
7. Are there any actresses in the industry who you look up to or who give you inspiration?
SO MANY — Loving Kerry every week. Viola. I can’t stop watching Chewing Gum, absolutely addicted to Micheala Coal. I’m into Greenleaf for the Lynn Whitfield scenes. I can’t take Empire anymore but also can’t resist peeking at Taraji’s scenes every now and again. She is so amazing to me just Liz Taylor level.
8. Advice for aspiring actors?
Find a studio that’s a good solid home to grown in. Fall in love with the process of building and becoming characters and the study of human nature.
9. What is the biggest accomplishment of your career?
It hasn’t happened yet. I can’t wait to see what it is.
TITLE VII is a 72-minute feature film from director Nicole Franklin and stars Chicava HoneyChild, Fidel Vicioso and Brian Anthony Wilson. The film was lensed by DP Cybel Martin. The screenplay was written by Nicole Franklin and Craig T. Williams and adapted from the novel Within The Walls by Daisy M. Jenkins. TITLE VII premiered at the Hollywood Black Film Festival February 2017. Visit #TITLEVIIFilm on social media and at www.NicoleFranklin.com/cine.