Mena Fombo: Spotlighting Black Queer Creators
Published on: Feb 27, 2025
Written by: Joey Hodgson
OUTtv’s latest project, Celebrating Black Queer Stories, is a celebration of diverse voices in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the talents and stories of Black queer creators. In the final interview of this series, we had the privilege of sitting down with Mena Fombo, the director of Some Girls Hate Dresses.
What’s your origin story as a creator? Was there a spark moment that got you started?
I wanted to be an actress, then a talk show host—I’m part of the generation that lived through peak talk shows: Oprah, Rikki, Jerry Springer! I spent 10 years in theatre, and around 20, I realized there were no parts for Black women in the UK. I was pretty p!ssed off for a bit, but then thought—right, I’ll become a filmmaker and create the parts I want to see on screen!
How do your Black and queer identities show up in your work—bold, subtle, or somewhere in between?
Honestly, it’s project-by-project, both on and off screen. My first two projects were bold and on the nose in terms of subject, casting, and storytelling. In the post-George Floyd energy of BLM, I had something very specific to say. But with my next two projects, it’s more subtle—I channel whatever approach best serves the message I want to share in that moment.
Describe your “I made it!” moment. How did that feel? How did you seize the opportunity and take it to the next level?
I don’t really believe in “I made it” moments. I don’t think like that. It’s more: I wanna do this—tick. I’ve discovered this about X—so next, I’ll do that—tick. For me, it’s continual growth—sometimes surviving a season to thrive in the next. Highlights include my TED Talk No, You Cannot Touch My Hair hitting 1 million views, screening The Glorious Ones at BFI Flare, getting SGHD commissioned, becoming a BAFTA member, and co-founding Blak Wave Productions. Lots of milestones, but no single moment.
If your creative energy was a playlist, what are three songs that have to be on it?
Too hard a question—depends on my mood!
- Anything Beyoncé
- Anything Queen Latifah
- Anything Missy Elliott
Why do you think the world needs more Black queer creators?
I don’t think we need more—we’re already here! I think that’s important to land. What we need is more commissioning, support, and nurturing of Black queer creators. Representation matters, our stories are relevant, and our work and voices are often hidden from mainstream media.
If you could time travel, who’s one Black queer legend or history-maker you’d want to grab coffee with, and why?
Gladys Bently – one night in Harlem – feel the music, the culture- I love history!
What advice would you give to the next generation dreaming about creating and slaying?
Do more than dream! Do it, make it, say it, show it!
What’s coming up next for you? (Give us the exclusive!)
I can’t say —but follow me to find out! @menafombo
How can your audience best support and uplift your work and other Black queer creators?
If you like it, share it. If you don’t like it, pass it on anyway until it reaches someone it’s meant for.