PRETTYBIRD's Jess Kohl Directs Series of Short Films for Dr. Martens' Inaugural Pride Campaign ‘Pride Generations’

PRETTYBIRD Director Jess Kohl has directed a series of short films for Dr. Martens first Pride campaign. First up is an interview between Lady Phyll - co-founder of London Black Pride – and Lucia Blayke, founder of London Trans+ Pride. 

The Dr. Martens ‘Pride Generation’ series gives a shareable platform to some of the most active voices in the LGBTQIA+ community. Protest has always been at the heart of Dr. Martens and Pride. Originally founded as a march to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, Pride has grown into a series of worldwide events for the LGBTQIA+ community: essential in the fight for equal rights, a place to be seen and respected, a global symbol of unity. The first short film from the Dr. Martens ‘Pride Generations’ series features Lady Phyll, the co-founder of London Black Pride, in conversation with Lucia Blayke, the founder of London Trans+ Pride. They set up their own events as an act of protest against the mainstream Pride march. Below they discuss what drove them to go against the grain, their inspirations and hopes.

Jess Kohl, director, PRETTYBIRD, comments: "For Dr. Martens first ever Pride campaign, we bought together iconic individuals for cross generational conversations about important themes within the queer community. It was a privilege to work with Lady Phyll & Lucia Blake in London, and Lee Soulja & Kia LaBeija in NYC to hear about their experiences with activism and nightlife. Visually, our approach was classically cinematic, not wanting to detract from the important issues being discussed.”

Dr. Martens is a brand that has been worn by activists, activists and artists since the Stonewall Riots. Generations of rebels have used Dr. Martens for a variety of reasons, from its timeless aesthetics, to its value range for the queer world or as an initiation rite. Even today, the brand continues to be a symbol of rebellion and defiance. Not just a pair of shoes, but part of queer culture, identity and history. After the first episode of the 'Pride Generations' series, featuring Lady Phyll and Lucia Blayke talking about their activism, personal background and history of their organisations, a second episode will air in June featuring Kia (artist and former mother of House of LaBaija) and Lee Soulja (founder and father of House of Soulja). They will tell the story of the ballroom scene, but without forgetting those who are no longer there today.

For Dr. Martens, Pride is much more than a calendar-driven event. Gender identity and sexual orientation are to be celebrated every single day, it would be disrespectful to think otherwise. That is why the brand is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through donations to associations and charities around the world, so that they can support them in their vital work of protecting and assisting the community. This year Dr. Martens is donating over £200,000 to support LGBTQIA+ charities such as Akt in the UK, ReBit in Japan, Refuge LGBT in Italy and many more.