Nia Rae Lambert’s Victorious Vision

Simone Hammond

At Spelman College, where every woman shapes their own vision, Nia Rae Lambert redefines what it means to be seen. Hailing from Chicago as a documentary filmmaking major, Lambert carries a passion for shedding light on stories frequently untold.

Her affinity for the big screen started early in her creative household, where dreams of becoming a Disney Channel star fueled her imagination. This spark led to her attending film camp at just 10 years old, where she fell in love with the art of telling stories through the lens of a camera. She cultivated this passion further, serving as the producer of her high school’s television show.

Lambert initially declared herself an education major at Spelman with aspirations of becoming a social worker, but soon shifted her plan in order to pursue her life’s calling. She switched her major to documentary filmmaking her second semester of her freshman year, embracing her true purpose.

Earning the Spotlight Award not only serves as a testament to Lambert’s impact, but it also highlights the documentary filmmaking program at Spelman. This recognition is a reflection of the existing possibilities within the major. While it is underrepresented, underfunded and can seem isolated at times, Lambert emphasizes that students can still succeed through the program at Spelman and beyond the gates.

Vocal about the need for visibility of the major, Lambert finds fulfillment as a Spelman ambassador when prospective students are drawn to the institution as a result of her authentic sentiments surrounding her experience with the program.

“It means a lot as a film major because I feel like we don’t have a lot of space to shine and not a lot of people know that the program exists. While I’m here I want to make sure that I let people see what film majors are doing, and that we’re highlighted in some way,” Lambert said.

Amongst Lambert’s most powerful work is her documentary, “Lady T”, a portrayal of Atlanta resident Theresa Hamilton, who prepares and serves homemade meals out of her car three days a week for roughly 200 people daily. This film embodies Lambert’s enthusiasm and passion for capturing real life stories and individuals in her community.

She also wishes to reimagine the way that Chicago is depicted on the screen. As a “Windy City” native, Lambert desires to create a film surrounding the beauty and culture of her hometown despite the negative assumptions made about the city portrayed in the media.

Lambert would not exchange her experiences at Spelman for the world, and has acquired invaluable lessons and lived experiences that will carry her through life.

“At Spelman, I really like to think of my journey like a chapter book. Each chapter is something different, and something that happens to you in chapter 1, you might not even remember it happened to you in chapter 4,” Lambert said. “Each chapter has its ups and downs and twists and turns but it keeps you reading.”

After graduating in May, Lambert will commence her next chapter at the University of Southern California for her master’s degree in Film Production. Looking ahead, she aspires to establish her own production company.

Lambert’s unwavering commitment to Spelman remains evident, as she strives to leave a lasting legacy. She intends to remain connected with the institution that has nurtured her passion by bringing back opportunities for students in the film program. The creative aims to open doors for future filmmakers in the same way that her predecessors opened doors for her.

A driven, and self motivated go-getter, Nia Rae Lambert has continuously pushed forward despite obstacles. Her journey reflects what it means to move with intention, tenacity and belief in one’s vision. She encourages Spelmanites in film to never take their eyes off the prize, and advises them to believe in themselves in order to achieve a goal.

“Entertainment is one of those things where you can’t half know that you want to do it. Instilling that ‘you can do it’ mentality is something I really hope that people see from what I do,” Lambert said. “It can seem shiny from the outside but sometimes it can be really draining, so just enforcing that ‘go getter’ mentality is something I really want girls to learn.”