Andrea Ward, an award-winning filmmaker, producer, celebrity designer, activist against domestic violence, and domestic violence survivor stated that she is the great niece of the notable jazz singer, Billie Holiday. Ward discovered her connection to Holiday as a young woman.
She said that she learned about Holiday “When I became the age of 23.”
Ward grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Ironically, Holiday also spent much of her young life in Baltimore.
Independent filmmakers have been on the rise. Ward is a woman who strives to add contributions to a male dominated industry. The film director and producer stated that she does not have musical abilities like Holiday.
“Anything else creative, I am great at, from fashion to writing and acting,” Ward stated.
She remains interested in continuing Holiday’s legacy through the film world and industry. Ward strives to pave a path for more women of color and spread awareness about domestic violence. Redemption Images is Ward’s full-service production company for television and film. She aspires to make as many films through it as possible.
“Dreams don’t work unless you take action. The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them,” Ward wrote on a Facebook post along with an action-packed film clip.
Photo credit: Sir Jones
Ward, who likes horror, action and thriller film genres, stated that she is currently working on “Fiend: The Awakening,” a feature film and psychological thriller about a young, aspiring musician who relocates to Los Angeles, California to pursue her studies in medicine. She meets a mysterious male. The plot continues with Sophia’s need to face her biggest fears and darkest desires.
Ward has remained unafraid to explore carving her own niche and charting her own course. In some ways, her journey has mirrored pieces of Holiday’s career exploration. She was famous for her voice, glamourous image and gardenia-adorned signature look that was pinned in her curled hair. Ironically, Ward has also been drawn to fashion.
Five years ago, Ward sewed fashion gowns. The self-taught designer participated in LA Fashion Week, an exciting fashion event where designers and artists showcase their talents.
Overall, Ward is drawn to entrepreneurship because it offers “the freedom to control your business and destiny while making a difference in the world.”
Ward also shows an interest in supporting others who are overcoming abuse. LIFE AFTER THE STORM is a program that she aspires to launch in the spring of 2025 to help battered women and children suffering violence or domestic violence.
“In the United States, an average of 20 people experience intimate partner physical violence every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually,” according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence can touch anyone’s life, whether famous or someone living in the community. The domestic violence topic was recently renewed when 2016 surveillance video footage obtained by CNN surfaced. Sean “Diddy” Combs was seen engaging in a violent episode with his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Beyond working with cast and crews, Ward recalls her personal obstacles and courageously serves as an activist who speaks up about them in public forums.
She added, “The scars are deeper to heal from not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It took me a long time to heal and find my voice to help others, because when I was a victim, at the time I didn’t have a hero or someone to save me, but I had to learn to save myself. Finding the courage within, it’s from such a dark place is bravery itself.”
Ward explained that she relocated to another state, went to therapy, documented all events, learned self-defense, told her family and friends about the abuse, then focused on a new skill or goal to overcome abuse and heal from it.
“I am a member of the National Coalition of [Against] Domestic Violence as a public speaker. I often speak to many women and men about abuse on multiple platforms,” Ward added.
The survivor of domestic violence and rape pondered what makes her most proud of herself.
“Everything I was able to accomplish and overcome from abuse, homelessness, change in careers, awards, magazine publications, finishing school with my degree, being a great mother and becoming someone I am proud of, as well as being an inspiration for young girls.”
Visit www.Redemptionimages.com to learn more about Ward’s company. She stated that feature films and an inspirational book are in development.
Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline via 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or www.TheHotline.org if confidential support is needed with a domestic violence situation.