Xenia Matthews: Redefining Storytelling Through Bold Narratives and Immersive Artistry

Xenia Matthews is a filmmaker whose evocative storytelling and fearless approach to filmmaking have cemented her place as a rising star in the industry. In 2022, she was recognized as one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Film,” highlighting her innovative vision and bold narratives. In 2022, Matthews premiered her sci-fi surrealist short film, OURIKA!, at the BlackStar Film Festival, as part of their inaugural Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab. The film’s success continued at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it was met with widespread acclaim. OURIKA! tells the story of a Senegalese girl enslaved by a French aristocrat, navigating the liminal space between life and death to reclaim her freedom. This haunting narrative highlights Matthews’ ability to blend surrealism with profound commentary on identity and liberation.

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Matthews describes the visual style of OURIKA! as part of an ongoing exploration of what she calls a “visceral, inner space aesthetic.” In her interview with The Download, she explained, “There’s this sequence in Good Blood—a precursor to MAMABABY—where a voicemail about taking abortion pills is overlaid with digital aberrations. To me, it felt like the inside of a body, moving from her head to this visceral, inner space. It’s present in OURIKA! too, manifesting as the blob—this human gunk expressing the interiority of a Black girl and her experiences.”

Matthews’ upcoming feature film, MAMABABY, is a deeply personal narrative that explores the bond between a mother and daughter in the aftermath of the daughter’s abortion. Described as a tender portrayal of resilience and love, MAMABABY challenges societal stigmas surrounding abortion by presenting it as a life-affirming decision.

“My abortion taught me to choose myself unapologetically,” Matthews shared. “I wanted to tell that story without the shame or morality tropes often attached to abortion narratives.” Through humor, joy, and vibrant aesthetics, the film highlights corporeal freedom and generational healing, centering Black women’s experiences in a refreshing and empowering way.

The development of MAMABABY has received support from major backers, including the Independence Media, and Philadelphia’s Culture Treasures, with BlackStar Film Festival, attached as a fiscal sponsor. Matthews is also creating an audio play, Orchid Island, to expand the world of MAMABABY, offering audiences an immersive, multi-sensory experience inspired by old radio plays.

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A graduate of the University of the Arts, Matthews’ background in fine arts deeply influences her filmmaking approach. Her practice is rooted in the tangibility of creation—from painting sets to crafting costumes—blending visual art with cinematic storytelling.

On set, Matthews prioritizes creating a joyful and trusting environment. “Black womanhood, to me, is never without joy, and I’m tired of not seeing that,” she said. Her vibrant use of colors, glitter, and playful aesthetics reflects this ethos, ensuring that even in the face of heavy themes, her films resonate with hope and levity. Though originally from Melbourne Beach, Florida, Matthews credits Philadelphia as the city that shaped her as an artist. “Philly’s artist community and aesthetics are integral to my work,” she shared. The city’s vibrant culture and support for independent creatives have been instrumental in Matthews’ growth and success.

As Matthews continues to redefine storytelling, her future projects promise to push boundaries and challenge expectations. With MAMABABY set for production and Orchid Island expanding its narrative universe, her work is poised to spark vital conversations and inspire audiences

Worldwide. Her newsletter, launching next year, will provide deeper insights into her creative process and vision.