USC Annenberg hosted its latest “Lunch with a Leader” event this Wednesday afternoon, featuring a conversation with Tevin Tavares, an award-winning filmmaker, director and producer from Oakland, California.
“Today, we are thrilled to welcome … a visual storyteller whose work seamlessly webs art and advocacy,” said Rafiq Taylor, who works in public relations for the Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab, which hosted the event.
Taylor called Tavares an upcoming and “distinguished voice of the industry” who has directed critically acclaimed music videos, short films and high-profile commercial campaigns. Many of these have been featured by notable outlets, including Variety, Forbes and The New York Times.
“Before we get in, I want to go around and ask everybody how they’re feeling today — get some energy in the room,” says Tavares upon receiving the mic.
After a few words from audience members, the event moderator, Emily Nichols, opened the conversation that led Tavares to share what keeps him inspired throughout his projects and career.
“I realized that my job is to tell the stories that will impact the next generation.” He underscored that the main motivation for his work comes from the feelings it brings to others.
In a video on his website, Tavares says that his main source of inspiration continues to stem from his home in the Bay Area. At the same time, he recognizes the rich influx of stories and passion that builds from his time at the University of Oregon, “you are suddenly around different cultures and visionaries, so many different human beings and perspectives–it helps shape you, short term.”
Omarion Vivrette, a public relations and advertising major at USC, said he had seen the event poster and found himself wanting to expand on his interest in visual production. “I was already thinking, ‘Okay, cool, this is a multifaceted man — and he’s a Black man, so let me look into that,’” he said.
Vivrette highlighted a moment from the conversation that stuck out to him. “Like Tevin said — film and art can change lives, thoughts and perspectives. Understanding how you use your power to influence is very important.”
After about an hour of relevant discussion from Nichols, Tavares and attendees, Lunch with a Leader came to a close, but not without a few lingering moments to be considered by eager students and the young filmmaker. “When you’re able to create something … and touch the people that you love, it’s surreal,” Tavares said. “Art can travel. Film can travel … They’re for my village, they’re for the world.”
The event wrapped up, but students, staff, and faculty continued to converse and linger over Tavares’ message to use creative expression as a force for connection and change. His words served as both a reminder and a challenge: that storytelling, when done with heart and purpose, has the power to travel — bridging social awareness with cinematic style.