IJLMI: Into Film Making with Segen Gebremariam-Bush
On this episode of I’ll Just Let Myself In: Into Filmmaking, host Lish Speaks sits down with actress, model, and filmmaker Segen Gebremariam-Bush to talk about her inspiring journey into the world of film, and how she and her husband turned their creative dreams into reality with their debut movie Seven Miles From Forever, now streaming on Tubi.
Creating Opportunity When None Exists
Segen’s story is a masterclass in self-starting. When traditional opportunities dried up during the Hollywood strikes, she and her husband decided to create their own. Acting was their lifeblood — a creative outlet that helped them breathe. So rather than waiting for a call that might never come, they invested in themselves, literally. Using equity from their home, they bought the necessary equipment, wrote a script, and got to work.
They filmed Seven Miles From Forever over the course of seven months, often shooting on their days off while raising a newborn. “It took us longer to talk about the project than to actually make it,” Segen said with a laugh. “Once we started, it became real. And confidence comes from doing.”
Marriage, Creativity, and Teamwork
Working side by side with her husband was no small feat. Together they co-wrote, co-directed, produced, and starred in the film, learning that communication wasn’t just crucial for marriage, but for moviemaking too. “We had to learn when to step in and when to step back,” Segen shared. “We learned to trust each other’s strengths and support one another without butting heads.”
Their teamwork strengthened not just their craft, but their relationship. “This project was therapy,” she admitted. “It reminded me why I married the right person. We protect and push each other in different ways.”
Bringing Seven Miles From Forever to Life
Despite a tiny crew of just four or five people, the film’s production value shines. Lish praised its Atlanta cinematography, likening the city itself to a character — much like L.A. in Insecure. Segen credits their intentional use of the city’s energy and visuals for creating an authentic atmosphere that complements the film’s themes of love, loyalty, and growth.
Though initially hesitant about releasing the project on Tubi, Segen said the platform’s quality standards have risen. “They’re not taking just anybody anymore,” she explained. “You have to bring quality — and that pushed us to level up.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Segen left listeners with three key pieces of advice for anyone ready to create their own work:
- Do the work. Everything you need to learn is on YouTube. Start small, even with a short film, and grow from there.
- Trust your circle. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and work ethic. “If it does well, we all do well,” she said.
- Forget perfection. “Perfection is unattainable. You’ll always look back and see things you’d change, but done is better than perfect.”
Her words hit home for creatives everywhere: if you’re waiting for someone to give you a shot, you may be waiting forever. “If acting is your calling, act,” she emphasized. “No one knows you’re an actor until you do the work.”
What’s Next for Segen and Her Team
Segen and her husband are already in pre-production for their next film, a psychological thriller titled The Hymn I Knew. While she’s keeping details under wraps, she promises a deeper look at their growth as storytellers and collaborators.
Beyond her growing filmography, Segen’s legacy is about impact. “I want people to meet me and feel better for knowing me,” she reflected. “My goal isn’t fame — it’s to leave something meaningful behind for my community, my kids, and the people I meet.”
Seven Miles From Forever is available now on Tubi. To follow Segen’s journey, find her on Instagram at @SegenGenesis and the film’s official page @SevenMilesFromForever.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Into Filmmaking with Lish Speaks
01:30 – Meet Segen Gebremariam-Bush
03:20 – How 7 Miles From Forever Came to Life
06:00 – Turning a Dream into a Debut Film
09:30 – Balancing Marriage, Motherhood & Movies
13:00 – The Challenge of Doing It All Independently
16:40 – Bringing Atlanta to Life on Screen
19:00 – The Reality of Indie Filmmaking on Tubi
22:30 – Segen’s Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
26:00 – Building a Supportive Creative Circle
29:00 – Behind the Scenes: The Lessons Learned
33:00 – What’s Next: The Hymn I Knew
36:00 – Legacy, Purpose, and Storytelling That Lasts
39:00 – Closing Thoughts from Lish Speaks
