Ashley Tyler is an emerging writer and director, who is excited to tell stories that highlight the real, lived experiences of black people in an authentic and unique way. In 2023, as a part of Free Spirit Media’s Industry Pathway Cohort, Ashley produced and directed the cohort’s annual short film project, ‘Getcho’. She also developed a narrative short titled ‘Betts’ while participating in the University of Chicago Production Institute and Community Film Workshop. Currently, Ashley is developing a feature documentary on the legacy of the Black Coptic Church in Chicago.

From the Filmmaker

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The film was made in collaboration with Free Spirit Media, a media nonprofit located in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. Free Spirit is dedicated to teaching young creatives about filmmaking and this short was the culminating project for that year's cohort. The short was shot in the city (in both North Lawndale and Portage Park), and the crew was comprised of mostly underrepresented minorities from the city's south and west side. Additionally, Getcho is based on the writer's real life and her experiences growing up in CHA housing in Uptown.