CHANTE DAVIS
 CHANTE DAVIS
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Odenton, Maryland How did you discover The Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others? I discovered the Palm Springs International Screenplay competition through FilmFreeway and chose to submit based on its strong reviews and reputation for professionalism. Your script or media entry stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your project ? Summer’s Silence was inspired by the unspoken pain that often exists beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. I was drawn to the idea of how silence—especially during formative seasons—can shape identity, relationships, and emotional survival. The story explores what happens when emotions, trauma, or truth are suppressed for too long, and how healing begins once that silence is finally broken. How long did it take you to write your script or produce your pitch deck/sizzle reel/trailer...and what was your development process? The script was developed over three months through a structured writing and revision process. I focused first on character and emotional development, followed by multiple draft revisions to strengthen pacing, tone, and narrative cohesion. My approach emphasizes purposeful storytelling, allowing the material to evolve thoughtfully before submission. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer or filmmaker? My ambition is to create impactful, socially relevant stories that resonate beyond the screen. I aspire to continue developing films that center on strong character-driven narratives, expand into larger platforms and broader audiences, and contribute meaningful work to the film industry while maintaining authenticity and purpose in storytelling. Which film directors or screenwriters inspire you? Why? Chinonye Chukwu inspires me through her commitment to emotional authenticity and restraint. She allows stories to breathe, trusting the audience to sit with discomfort and truth rather than being spoon-fed with predictable story endings. Spike Lee, who I love has long influenced me over the decades for his fearless storytelling and unapologetic voice. His work shows the power of film as both art and social commentary. Although, we are different writers, I admire the boldness of his art form. Because of my deep love for the performing arts, writers who stand out to me include Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas. Both were instrumental in creating all-time classics such as Fame and Flashdance. Their work powerfully captures how the arts speak directly to the mind, body, and spirit. The way they translate movement, music, and ambition into story is brilliant and deeply influential to my own approach to storytelling. From a writing perspective, Barry Jenkins also deeply inspires me. His attention to silence and inner emotional landscapes resonates strongly with my own approach—particularly how he uses quiet moments to convey profound meaning. For me, I like to stretch the mind to not necessarily see the answer before understanding the issue. Overall, I am drawn to storytellers who are not afraid of stillness, complexity, and truth—creatives who understand that some of the most powerful moments in film happen in what is not said verses what is said. |
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What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Grease How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? I approach competition entries with intentionality and discernment. I’m thoughtful about where I submit, prioritizing contests that value storytelling, professionalism, and meaningful feedback rather than volume alone. For me, competitions are not just about winning—they’re an opportunity to test the strength of the work, gain perspective, and place the story in spaces where it can be seen and evaluated with integrity. Through participating in these contests, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, clarity, and confidence in my voice as a writer. Each experience—whether it results in advancement, placement, or feedback—has reinforced the value of process over outcome. I’ve also learned that recognition can take many forms, and that growth often comes from reflection, revision, and continuing to tell stories that are honest and purposeful, regardless of the result. What advice do you have for others hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? My advice is to focus less on “winning” and more on purpose and truthful storytelling. Write from a place of authenticity, not from what you think judges want to hear. Strong storytelling always happens when the voice is clear and the intention is sincere. I would also encourage writers to be patient with the process. Take the time to learn, revise, seek thoughtful feedback, and allow your work to mature before submitting. Be selective about the contests you enter—choose platforms that align with your values and like I often times say, respect the craft. Most importantly, don’t let outcomes define your confidence. Every submission is part of growth, and consistency, resilience, and belief in your voice are what ultimately carry you forward. Success comes with highs and lows; however, it is in the lows where you truly learn who you are. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? In addition to Summer’s Silence, I am actively developing and producing several projects that center on faith, resilience, and untold stories. Most notably, I am continuing to expand the Unbroken Faith franchise, which includes narrative films, another documentary, and companion written works designed to spark conversation, healing, and reflection. These projects explore real-life experiences through a cinematic lens while remaining grounded in emotional truth. I am also deeply engaged in stage productions and community-centered storytelling through my production company, where I focus on creating opportunities for artists and stories that might otherwise go unheard. Across all mediums—film, stage, and written work—my goal remains the same: to create meaningful content that connects lives, challenges silence and leaves a lasting impact. Where can the world find you? (Website, IMDB, etc.) You can find my work and follow my journey here: IMDbPro: IMDb — https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm16657323 Website: https://www.connecting-lives.com Film & Festival Platform: FilmFreeway Social Media: @connectlives3 (across platforms) These platforms highlight my work in film, stage, and purpose-driven storytelling. |
