23 January 2025 2 minute read
Imagine a young girl nestled beside her brother, their eyes in wonder as they settle in for yet another cozy movie night and animated film. From "VeggieTales" as kindergartners to Pixar classics, like "Toy Story" "Lion King," and later to superhero blockbusters from Marvel and DC, these early movie nights formed the foundation of Cristiane Richardson's values: community, compassion and courage.
Little did she know these cinematic experiences would not only shape her outlook on life, but also inspire her passions, and ultimately her dream of inspiring courage through storytelling, just as those films did for her.
For Richardson, C'2027, faith is the guiding force that has illuminated her path as a storyteller, creator and dreamer. Raised with a strong belief in God, she has always felt that His presence has shaped her values and helped her navigate her many passions including music, art and writing. These are the experiences that fueled her drive to create a world where love, friendship and faith are at the center of every story that she pens.
From a young age, Richardson used her artistic expression as an outlet. She was involved in orchestra, chorus and dance, and she spent hours coloring, drawing and engaging in arts and crafts. But unlike most kids, these were not just hobbies -- they were her language, her way of expressing her innermost thoughts and feelings. But above them all, "writing was my sincerest passion," she asserts. Her storytelling began as a child, creating comics that evolved into intricate narratives where she crafted a world, filled with characters who embodied values of love, compassion and hope. These stories became a space where she could vicariously live through her characters, creating worlds where anything is possible, so long as there was friendship and love.
Among the many stories Richardson has developed, one continues to call her, subtly influenced by her relationship with her mother. The young woman in the story in the face of her mother's health challenges, follows her to work for a powerful business mogul, and as the daughter helps her mother launch of clothing business while grappling with her aspirations to become a musician, she learns that she doesn’t have to put her dreams on hold. The story explores themes of sacrifice, family, and self-discovery, as a young girl, for just her path separate from her mothers. This realization, deeply informed by her faith, assures her that whatever comes, it will be okay, and it’s all a part of life’s journey.
Richardson always dreamed of exploring life beyond the Albany area of New York, where she lived since fifth grade. At first, the idea of domestic exchange in New York City was a way to manage her homesickness. However, the more she explored her options, the clearer it became that there was more to her desire to be in New York City. She realized it was rooted in something much greater.
"There were going to be so many opportunities for me to grow as a storyteller," she says. She eventually set her sights on New York University. She was drawn to the institution's creative writing courses, including screen writing, and the prospect of exploring the city’s cultural landscape. She had always wanted to combine her love for storytelling with her childhood love for movies, and this was her chance to not only create stories that would live on a page but come to life on screen.
At the heart of Richardson's work is a belief in the power of stories. She knows that storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting people, uplifting communities, and inspiring change. From her childhood heroes to the characters she now brings to life, Richardson is motivated by the idea that working together, embracing the values of love, courage, and kindness, and supporting one another can transform lives. Her journey is just beginning, and she's poised to share stories that will have a lasting impact.