What 'Ricky' Gets Right About Black Boys, Black Women, and the Burden That Gets Passed Down with Rashad Frett & Lin Que Ayoung

About this episode

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with filmmakers Lin Que Ayoung and Rashad Frett, the creative forces behind Ricky, a powerful film that goes far beyond one person’s story.

Together, they explore how identity is shaped early, how roles get assigned, and what it takes to break free from patterns that no longer serve us. Drawing from their own lived experiences and communities, Lin Que and Rashad share why it was so important to give voice to people who are often misunderstood or overlooked, and how storytelling can shift perspective and challenge stigma.

They also open up about their creative partnership, the journey from a student film to Sundance recognition, and the deeper questions at the heart of their work, including who gets a second chance and what real support and accountability look like.

This conversation is about more than filmmaking. It’s about humanity, healing, and the power of being seen.

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