Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tonya Mollineau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tonya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Repeatedly being the only one in the room whether it’s because I’m Black, I’m a woman, or I’m a mother – I’ve always felt like an “other.” There have been moments when I’ve felt invisible or like an outsider, struggling to be seen and heard in spaces not built for me. But I’ve come to realize that those feelings of being overlooked and undervalued have become the fuel that drives me forward.
I know what it’s like to walk into a room and immediately feel the weight of expectations, or worse, the absence of them. I know the sting of being undervalued simply because of how I look, or the communities I represent. But I am grateful that I’ve learned the power of standing in that space, holding my head high, and claiming my right to be there. This is because I know that I’m not just there for myself. I’m there for every person who has ever felt like they didn’t belong or like their voice didn’t matter.
Now I choose to turn those feelings of isolation into a source of strength. I’ve chosen to use my experiences to build bridges, to connect with others who feel unseen, and to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. When I step into a room, I’m bringing with me the stories, the resilience, and the hopes of so many others. I make it a point to reach out, to listen, and to nurture relationships with the communities I’m serving, because I know what it means to be overlooked and I’m determined to make sure no one else has to feel that way.
As a filmmaker, a mother, and an advocate, I’m driven by the belief that we all have a responsibility to shape the world for the next generation. And that is not a responsibility I take lightly, especially as the mother of a teenage daughter. I’ve seen the power of storytelling, the way it can shift perspectives, break down barriers, and inspire change. I believe in the power of our voices to rewrite the narrative, to demand a seat at the table or make your own table so that we can create spaces where we can all thrive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a filmmaker for over 10 years, my passion for storytelling has always been about more than just creating art. It’s about using media to uplift underrepresented voices and create real, lasting change. At the heart of my work is my commitment to shedding light on the experiences of mothers, who far too often go unseen and unheard, particularly when working in industries like film and television. This mission led me to establish MOM Film Fest, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a platform to showcase the work of mom filmmakers, career development, advocacy, return-to-work programs, and supportive childcare solutions for mothers in this industry. Completing a film is a huge accomplishment for folks in general, but when a mom is able to do it while also raising kids, that’s major.
While I am proud to say that we just celebrated the incredible 5th edition of our annual online film festival, MOM Film Fest has been a labor of love born from my own experiences as a mom working in film. I saw firsthand how the industry often overlooks the unique challenges mothers face and decided it was time to do something about it. Our festival has not only created a platform to showcase movies made by moms but it’s also built a community that provides tangible support. From workshops to our profit-sharing program, we aim to provide the tools and resources moms need to thrive creatively while juggling the demands of motherhood.
What’s most exciting about all of this is seeing the ripple effect of this work – watching these talented women find their voices, reclaim their power, and tell stories that otherwise might never have been told. Some of these films showcase stories about motherhood, some do not. But there is a great deal of pride and awe when I see moms in action on the sets of their films because I know it’s no small feat figuring out how to make both filmmaking and motherhood possible so that you can maintain your career.
But this is only part of the story. Right now, we’re focused on an important project that has been years in the making: the upcoming documentary, “Mom Conned”. This film is a deep dive into the media’s portrayal of motherhood and how these misleading myths harm not only mothers but also influences the way society values and treats them. “Mom Conned” explores the damaging stereotypes we see in movies and TV shows and contrasts them with the real-life, complex experiences of moms. Through this documentary, we’re aiming to expose the dangerous impact these portrayals have, not just on public perception, but also on policies that directly affect mothers’ lives.
The journey to creating this film has been extremely cathartic for me as I now find myself caring for both my 80-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, and my 14-year-old daughter, while struggling to make sense of my role as a mother and daughter. But researching this film has helped me tremendously and I know it will help other moms as well. It tells a story that needs to be told now more than ever. We are at a pivotal moment in society, where women’s rights and roles are being challenged, and mothers are often left out of conversations about who deserves to be supported. I believe “Mom Conned” will help shine a light on how we can shift the narrative and begin to truly value motherhood for what it is: one of the most powerful, yet too often overlooked, forces in our society.
Through MOM Film Fest and “Mom Conned”, my work is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for mothers in the creative industries, while also holding a mirror up to the harmful ways society devalues moms. I hope to continue using my platform to advocate for change because moms deserve better, and our stories deserve to be told.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three important qualities and skills that have stood out as the most impactful are resilience, authenticity, and adaptability.
Resilience has been at the heart of everything. When I became a mother, something shifted in me. My daughter gave me a new level of motivation to go after my dreams because that’s when I suddenly realized, it wasn’t just about me. Although I’ve faced many challenges, having her has made me more determined to keep going and to keep creating. She sees me when I persevere and have triumphant moments and she also sees me when I fall. But thankfully, she always sees me get back up.
I believe authenticity has been essential to my evolution and growth. Becoming a mom made me realize it was time to tell stories that matter to me. And I wanted them to be stories that would allow my daughter to see powerful reflections of people like her on screen because I know how much representation matters. For me, being authentic in my work means being unapologetic in pursuing and telling the stories that mean the most to me, and I would advise anyone struggling with the direction of their next steps in their life or career journey to do the same. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold, stand strong in owning your unique perspective.
Lastly, adaptability has been one of the major qualities that has helped me juggle all the lives – work life, mom life, personal life, etc. Balancing motherhood and filmmaking requires constant adjustments and creating my own films has allowed me to set the production schedule, which means I can plan around my daughter’s needs and that big ole scheduling hurdle called school. While I’m semi-joking, school really can be a huge obstacle and it’s not always easy. But just know that whichever of the stages or phases you’re currently in with your child, especially if it’s a difficult one, it won’t always be that way. And also give yourself grace and permission to continue going through your own growth. For some reason, it’s okay for children to grow but there’s some unwritten rule that this doesn’t apply to adults. When my daughter and I butt heads I remind her that while she’s going through her stages and phases as a teenager, I am a woman of a particular age and I too am going through my own stages and phases. It warms my heart to see her soften with me when I say this because I can tell that she gets it and I hope that others get it too.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I face is getting people to understand that moms need and deserve support. There is a major emphasis on taking care of the next generation, and there absolutely should be. But we cannot continue to ignore the moms who are out there raising that next generation. Not only is there a systemic lack of support for moms in the creative industries, but this lack of support isn’t provided to working moms in general. The film and TV world often demands long hours and unpredictable schedules – things that can make it nearly impossible for mothers to fully participate and because of this, many moms end up leaving active work altogether. There’s not enough infrastructure in place to provide support, whether that’s through affordable childcare or understanding the flexibility that mothers need to thrive.
Through MOM Film Fest we’re raising awareness about the changes that need to happen. However, we’re still up against an industry-wide issue, and it will take a village to shift the culture. That’s why collaboration is key. And that’s why I focus on working with others to create opportunities, drive awareness, and support policies that make it easier for moms to succeed without having to choose between their family and their career because it shouldn’t have to be an either or decision. I’m always looking to partner with individuals and organizations who are passionate about advancing representation, especially for mothers. As the founder of MOM Film Fest, I’m particularly interested in collaborating with filmmakers, advocates, nonprofits, and industry professionals who are committed to addressing the lack of support for moms in our field. If this resonates with you, I would love to connect and explore ways to collaborate. You can reach out to me directly on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tonyamollineau.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyamollineau/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmollineau/
- Other: It would be great if the website for my nonprofit, MOM Film Fest can also be included. https://momfilmfest.org. Thank you!
Image Credits
Francesca Andre – Tonya’s solo shot
Blaga Ditrow – both the panel and step and repeat photos
Mel House – Tonya on set of P.S. 377 with headphones
Eva Cantor – Tonya looking at the monitor on set of P.S. 377 while her daughter is sitting behind the monitor
Terrence Hamilton – Tonya with her daughter Thiana looking over her shoulder with the camera
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
