The lights in the Film center dim, the projector screen hangs over the stage displaying a montage of images and sounds of conversation which quickly catches the attention of chattering and exciting students at Columbia College; Visuals of a man gaining a promotion at his job, meeting and engaging in sexual activity with a mysterious woman, scenes of violence, confusion, and suspense has the room in total silence. The ending credits on the screen of the 2-minute trailer read “The Human Contract” by writer-director Jada Pinkett Smith. The lights come out of hiding, hands clap uncontrollably, and chairs become empty as people rise to their feet to greet the beautifully talented Jada Pinkett Smith.

A humbling presence, she steps on stage in an all black ensemble wearing a huge smile and greeting the 100 students that pushed and shoved to get the best seat they possibly could in Columbia’s film center. After thanking everyone for receiving her with a standing ovation she takes her seat on stage for the first session of the two-part interview.

The first section focuses heavily on Jada’s new project and directorial debut, The Human Contract which was showcased at the 44th annual Chicago Film Fest. She expresses to the crowd of eager fans that the challenge was actually having the ability to think and create from a male’s perspective. The story is different from previous work received from the entertainer. In this film, the story is told through masculine eyes. She was able to step outside of roles people are used to seeing her in by directing this film. Laughing, she admits that it—the film—also helped in her home relationship. Students join in with laughter wanting her to go into more detail but of course, she leaves it at simply that.

Her energy remains at an all time high while discussing her passion for creation and some of the differences she and husband, Will Smith have when it comes to film. In a jokingly cute way she tells that she likes watching films that will leave the audience with unanswered questions, "so that the film sticks with you. Films should initiate conversation and not conclude." Will, on the other hand is the exact opposite. "[He] feels that films should always have an ending." That’s where the challenge comes in she admits.

"To reach [your] greatest potential people always have to confront secrets, even though there’s tremendous storm, on the other end there’s new life." This statement from Jada marks the inspiration behind the dark and dangerous film. Students, including myself are drawn in to the delivery when Jada shares her interest in discovering people’s secrets. Her theory is that people are always hiding something and when she meets someone for the first time, her mind is wondering what their secret is. Within "The Human Contract" an atmosphere of secrets are confronted.

A very complex thinker and passionate speaker, you are able to tell that limitations are not an obstacle for the creator. Her visions are carried out because she believes that there is no right or wrong rather just different ways in creating she shares. Heads are shaking agreeing with this idea. A room filled with creative and imaginative minds are fusing together and taking in all that they can to apply outside knowledge to their personal craft.

The questions are now opened to the audience and hands shoot up in the air so fast you’d think someone’s arm popped out of socket! The enthusiasm was extremely strong and inquiring minds were ready for their time to ask Mrs. Jada what they wanted to know.  Questions ranged from wanting to know her creative process, how she balances work and career to “how do you stay so fabulous?” Everyone shared his or her appreciation for her work as well.

Jada turns directly to the audience and each person that stood before her to engage in conversation that had her full attention. Answers given are honest and humble with a side of laughter and smiles at the initiative a lot of students were showing. No one appeared shy or intimidated when speaking. The main goal was to soak up everything possible. Ask what you could while you could. However, there were moments when students huffed and puffed out of anxiousness to get recognized for time to speak with Mrs. Jada and a few silent but light-hearted attitudes when the person chosen asked at least three questions in a row. It all added to the experience though and in the end everyone was happy.

The remaining portion of the interview, session two, is centered with all questions coming from students. Here is where the engagement and breakdown of her creative process takes place. She makes sure to note that it is imperative for creators to read. Her writing technique includes taking her own knowledge and perspective of what’s real then combining it with books and research. Speaking with her hands quite often, she shares that each writing project is taken on as if she is writing a novel. First she works on developing the characters then formulates their personal stories. From there, she laughs, “I go to my computer and start typing ‘one day she’…” and the art blossoms from there.

Her approach to artistry is one that does not settle for just the pretty box design, but one that digs into the depths of the mind to discover various ways and different formulas for one or multiple things. Her projects are those that aim to be the outsider of Hollywood’s expectations and ‘boxes.’

As a woman filled with ideas and determination, her spunkiness and realness has pulled her in various arenas within the entertainment industry. From her role as Lena James on the popular TV show, "A Different World" to the bank robbing Stoney in the film "Set It Off" and even the lead vocalist of her own metal band which performed at Ozzfest, "Wicked," her talents are versatile. “Creation is a lifestyle,” she states with that sparkling smile again.

Never lost in the shadow of her famous husband, Will Smith, Mrs. Jada definitely holds her own and is dedicated to staying outside of “the box” and doing exactly what she wants to do as she expresses strongly throughout the afternoon. The conversation engaged between the star and the students was inspiring and offered hope to aspiring filmmakers, actors, writers, and creative people all the like. Her words are uplifting and informative. She offers that her “survival plan” is to have a fantastic team, one that can add to the creative process and make you look good!

Walking away from this experience I am able to take along with me the meaning of true artistry. That is, knowing that there is unlimited space when it comes to creativity, it is knowing in your heart that you were meant to be somebody and not allowing a single soul to tarnish or block your vision. Jada Pinkett-Smith encompasses all these things and has overcome rejection numerous times. Her lifestyle is creating, and doing what ever she wants to do! Thanks Mrs. Smith.