The multifaceted creator shares the details behind her unique experience with the necessary process of building the person behind the business before building the business:

Reimonenq takes a deep dive into the makings of herself as a creative and the integral roles her unique culture and life experiences play in that. A native of New Orleans, LA, the creative finds her roots in the “Melting Pot” of the nation. What comes of a creative with such rich culture? Eccentric, unorthodox filmmaking at its finest.

Jenna Reimonenq was photographed in Buckhead, a residential district in Georgia.

Photograph by Plat Gamma

From left: Reimonenq (director) and Toya Morman (actress) were photographed during production of an Imajen Films original.

Courtesy Instagram @ImajenFilms

By Minnie Ann Gatlin April 2023

How did Imajen come to be?

“I wish there was a linear response to this question. Imajen was an idea from 2014 or 15 (though I was calling it something else back then), before that it was a distant thought. It always was a lingering dream of mine.

It was officially formed into a legal entity in 2020 during a very tumultuous time in my life.

It's almost sort of comical when I think about it because it was probably the most unrealistic time ever for me to start up a production company. Pandemic aside, I was stuck in Denver, Colorado, living with my parents after ending a 2 1/2 year relationship, I had 2 friends who lived in the state at the time whom I rarely saw. I had no money, feeling very defeated, not working on film almost at all.

I was working a corporate 9-5 that I planned on staying at, and I was honestly mourning the loss of my dreams and the life I thought I'd have. I was extremely lonely and hurt. In other words, there was no reason whatsoever that I should have even been thinking about forming a business of any kind. I think Imajen was born out of both defiance and obedience. It was my personal defiance of the direction my life had gone. It was also obedience to God's plan, unbeknownst to me at the time.”

As a writer, film producer, and founder of Imajen Studios, where do you find creative inspiration?

“I guess my inspiration comes from the grey areas of life -- being sensitive to the complexity and simplicity of life around me.

Many things are not hard concepts -- but the grey areas (which we perpetually live in) makes things beautiful, and yet, we are constantly trying to escape the grey. It forms our decisions and consequences, and often inspires the way I tell a story. I find that fascinating and beautiful in a way.

I'm also inspired by the diverse cultures of the world. I think there's a fun mystery in worlds and perspectives unlike what I've been exposed to, which translates into my storytelling. I love building worlds because they are so lawless and unpredictable even for myself as the writer.”

What makes Imajen Studios stand apart from the many production studios in its area?

“A big contributor to the vibe of the studio is [that] the minds behind the space are available to spend time with, learn from, and express with. A while ago I got to spend time with the studio executives of Atlanta Metro Studios and I remember thinking,what an amazing experience to feel seen by people who have the resources to make my dreams a reality. It adds validation to the creative process, which can feel foolish at times . I wanted everyone coming into Imajen to feel the way I got to feel. At Imajen Studios, the people who run the show are both monetarily and creatively invested in the work of our clients (if they want us to be). We provide space for wardrobe, hair & makeup, podcasting, two flex sets that can be built out to scene specifications, props, auditioning, table reads etc. We also take the time to review the projects that come into the space and are selective about what is produced.

We want creatives to know we aren’t just a creative space for hire but we are fans of their work too.”

What type of content is the studio’s focus if there is one?

“Imajen Films is a huge fan of scifi and fantasy stories but not limited to them. We produce commercial ads, short films, features etc. Our primary focus is diverse, off beat, and honest storytelling that inspires the childlike imagination in everyone.”

How does your unique culture influence your writing?

“We are the Creoles of New Orleans, Louisiana. I think being from an off-beat place like NOLA broadened my sense of reality. The culture of that place doesn't quite fit into any category. Even being a Creole woman means my family is colorful and unexpected. We eat differently, we sound different, our traditions are whimsical, nothing is black and white. So, that allowed me to be very imaginative early on in life. I had a very early perspective that everything else in life probably isn't black and white either. The way that translates to my writing is that I'm unafraid of taking my characters to unexpected places, circumstances, and problems while rooting them in some kind of strong value or tradition.”

What are some of your goals for change and impact in the world around you by way of owning a film studio and film production?

“There are so many ways! But. here are a few that come to mind: I think diversifying the kind of media we consume is a big deal to me. And, I don't mean strictly racial diversity (though that is included). I mean we've seen 101 remakes, trauma films, reality tv that really isn't that interesting. I want to give people something to think about, rather than to watch. I also want to impact the opportunities that are available to people. I know so many amazing artists who don't get the time of day simply because they don't have the resources.

The most important one to me, however, is helping people interpret the voice of God in their lives as it pertains to the specificity and uniqueness of their lives.“

Tell us something interesting about the woman behind it all? (If you care to share)

I'm not sure what to say about "The Woman Behind it All" other than I just want to be purposeful, impactful, and useful to God. And this is the way He showed me. I hope it's as beautiful to everyone else as it is to me.”

“The most important [goal] to me, however, is helping people interpret the voice of God in their lives as it pertains to the specificity and uniqueness of their lives.”

I would say this quote sums up our questions surrounding who the woman behind it all is. I can also say we can aptly expect great things from Jenna Reimonenq and Imajen Films.

Imajen Films + Studios will be opening the Summer of 2023.

Reimonenq was photographed in Buckhead, a residential district in Georgia.

Courtesy Jenna Reimonenq