Dasha Kelly Transforms Cake Into Conversation in Makin’ Cake
- TYREE POPE III
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
At the Milwaukee Film Festival, filmmaker and multi-hyphenate artist Dasha Kelly presents a documentary that blends art, history, and social commentary in a way few films attempt.
Makin' Cake is not just a documentary.
It is an experience.
From Stage to Screen
The origins of Makin’ Cake began not as a film, but as a stage show.
Kelly was invited to lead community conversations around race in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Looking for a creative entry point, she turned to an unexpected subject.
Cake.
The idea was simple.
Every object has a story.
And cake, with its cultural and historical significance, became a gateway to deeper conversations.
When the pandemic halted live performances, the project evolved.
What began as a stage experience transformed into a documentary.
Creativity as a Tool for Dialogue
Kelly’s approach is rooted in accessibility.
Rather than confronting audiences with direct arguments, she uses storytelling, humor, and shared experiences to open the door.
By the time she introduces complex ideas about race and privilege, the audience is already engaged.
Already listening.
This method avoids the defensiveness that often accompanies difficult conversations.
Instead of pointing fingers, it invites participation.
An Experience, Not Just a Film
Kelly describes Makin’ Cake as an experience.
In its stage form, the show included live baking, multimedia elements, and audience interaction.
The documentary carries that spirit forward.
It is designed to engage audiences not just intellectually, but emotionally.
The goal is not only to inform, but to inspire reflection and conversation.
Premiering at Home
For Kelly, premiering the film at the Milwaukee Film Festival is deeply personal.
As a longtime supporter of the festival and a lifelong lover of film, the moment represents a milestone.
It is also a chance to share the work with family, community, and the city that shaped her.
Watching the film on a theater screen, surrounded by an audience, transforms the project once again.
From personal creation to shared experience.
The Meaning of Cream City
When asked about the phrase “Cream City,” Kelly reflects on its symbolism.
The bricks that define Milwaukee’s architecture represent strength, foundation, and beauty.
That same energy, she believes, exists within the city’s creative community.
Resilient.
Grounded.
And uniquely its own.
A Story That Continues
At its core, Makin’ Cake is about more than baking.
It is about understanding.
About history.
About how people communicate and connect.
And most importantly, about how creativity can open doors that traditional conversations cannot.
For Kelly, the film is not an endpoint.
It is an invitation.
To listen.
To learn.
And to engage in conversations that matter.
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