THE INTERVIEW
October, 2026
Folasadé
DIRECTORS OF KEEPERS OF THE DOOR
HONORABLE MENTION
Folasadé, tell us a bit more about yourself. Where does your desire to be a director come from?
I’ve always had a love for the arts. My love for directing began at a very young age. I am originally from London, and I used to direct shows at my primary school. I would rewrite my favorite movies and shows, and my mum would print out the scripts I wrote. I would then bring my scripts to school and cast my classmates as the characters. My teachers took notice of my directing skills and would allow me to showcase my productions at school at the end of the school year.
What is your background?
I am originally from London, and my family is proudly Jamaican. My father immigrated from Jamaica when he was ten years old, and my mother’s parents are also from Jamaica. I love being Jamaican, and I truly believe God has blessed my people with the ability to give so much to people all over the world. Everyone loves Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, and so many other incredible Jamaicans. I am fully aware that I descend from greatness, and I am fortunate to be a part of my family’s legacy.
What were your references for Keepers of the Door?
My references for Keepers of the Door are comedies such as Abbott Elementary and The Office. I also drew inspiration from shows like Gossip Girl to help depict the glamour and elegance of fine-dining restaurants in Hollywood.
You won an Honorable Mention at the RED Movie Awards. What does that mean to you?
I am so grateful to receive this honor. This is my first time creating a pilot to be judged at film festivals, so I truly didn’t know what to expect. I have a lot of respect for the RED Movie Awards, so it means a lot to me to be honored by them.
How much of the situations in Keepers of the Door come from your own experiences or observations?
Keepers of the Door is an autobiographical show, and all of my scenes are pulled from real-life experiences. I have worked as a Maître d’/host for five years, and it has had a lot of ups and downs along the way. I am grateful for my time working in hospitality because it allowed me to continue living in Los Angeles. There is a lot of potential for comedy in the contrast between the restaurant’s luxury image and the reality of the people working there.
How did you approach that humor?
I have always thought it was hilarious to work in fine dining because of the contrast between the experience the guests have and the unglamorous action happening behind the scenes. I feel the show’s humor lies in the contrast between the hosts’ chaotic reality and the guests’ glamorous experience.
As a filmmaker, actress, and writer yourself, how much of your own journey is reflected in the series?
This show is my journey, and I feel like I have the exciting potential to grow alongside the character of Shai. Growing with my character also gives me the opportunity to grow with my audience. I think this show keeps me motivated and focused on my dreams and goals, and hopefully, it will do the same for those tuning in to watch it.
What do you hope someone who is currently stuck in a job they don’t love will take away from your film?
I hope they take away the power of faith, delusion, and hope. It’s so important for people to remain hopeful during trying times. It’s important for us to daydream about our dream lives and have faith that those dreams can become a reality. I have seen the power of speaking life into my dreams through Keepers of the Door, and I hope people will speak life into everything they want to experience in their own lives.
Do you have an anecdote to share with us in particular?
Success = opportunity + preparation. Map out what you want to achieve in advance so that you’re ready when the opportunity arises.
What is your next project?
My main focus is developing Keepers of the Door into a television series for streaming or cable TV. I am also looking to create stories about my background and the legacy of the Windrush generation in London. I want to make my grandparents,parents and the rest of my family proud.