Women in Non-traditional Careers/Visions: Cybel Martin
Series Intro: In this series I’ll be highlighting some of the most interesting and inspiring women that I’ve been meeting, learned about, or working with. Here’s what I know…they are so busy working, filming, teaching, campaigning, leading, etc. that they don’t have time to promote themselves. I get to do that. If there is a positively powerful woman you’d like me to feature, let me know.
Meet Cybel Martin, Director of Photography/Cinematographer:
Singled out for her expressive and stylized work, Cybel Martin is the first and only African American woman to receive an MFA in Cinematography from New York University. Perhaps because she was named after 1962 Oscar winning film, “Sundays and Cybele”, this native New Yorker has set her sights on her own golden statue. Recently she was filming a feature in DC during the Inauguration of President Obama.
It was interesting to learn that the cameras that she must wield are heavy, so staying in peak condition physically (as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) is important. All seem to be taken in stride by this PPW (Positively Powerful Woman). Other traits that I learned are key for those who want to be cinematographers like her – in a male dominated industry – are the abilities to facilitate diverse people, be able to “travel well”, spot great professional talents, be the boss of her crew on the set, and juggle many balls. Cybel is both a Bollywood and Nollywood DP (Director of Photography). Another skill is to be exceptionally entrepreneurial. Cybel Martin is a business entity that creates art and brings stories to life with mathematical excellence. (Try figuring out what lights, filters, camera lenses…to use. That’s a discipline that I can only begin to imagine!) The results of her work bring tears, laughter, and yes Oscars.
Cybel is also an author and speaker: Inspired to share her knowledge and career experiences, Cybel has participated in several film panels and lecture series. Her favorites include guest lecturer at the Psychiatry Department at Columbia University, Cinematography instructor for the Film Academy in Nigeria, guest teacher for The Ghetto Film School and panelist at the Arizona Black Film Fest. She documents some of her experiences in Nigeria in a recently published photography book, “Picture in Nigeria” which is available for purchase through Blurb. Her website: Click here. 
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Afghan Schoolgirls Undeterred by Attack
Photo: Danfung Dennis for The New York Times
“My parents told me to keep coming to school even if I am killed,” said Shamsia, 17, in a moment after class. Shamsia’s mother, like nearly all of the adult women in the area, is unable to read or write. “The people who did this to me don’t want women to be educated. They want us to be stupid things.”
We can’t afford to take education lightly. Women around the world are fighting for their rights to learn. Women, have you ever had anyone imply you were stupid? Pick up the books.
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