Celebrating the Beauty and Joy of Donna

My Dear Donna, we met more than two decades ago when I was just beginning my life in New York as a young artist and filmmaker, having recently returned from living in Paris. From the very beginning, you radiated a deep passion for France, for French cinema, and for the life of ideas.

I remember the many hours we spent together at Le Pain Quotidien, sitting over coffee, talking endlessly about French films and literature. We exchanged notes about the places we loved, the streets and cafés of Paris, and the artists who inspired us. Those conversations were not just about cinema, they were about life, art, and the kind of world we hoped to inhabit.

Over time, we discovered that our connection extended beyond film. We shared a spiritual path through Buddhism and a deep concern for the environment and the fragile beauty of this planet. Out of that shared commitment, we founded Green Focus Films together. We traveled across the United States, making films for organizations such as the Department of Energy and NASA, projects that brought together our love of storytelling and our desire to contribute to a more conscious world.

Our friendship was also filled with moments of adventures of the soul. We went on Buddhist retreats together and wandered in search of the most beautiful hot springs in Santa Fe while on film shoots. At one point, you even showed up during my artist residency in the south of France and camped on the property, turning those days into a small adventure. We biked through the countryside and discovered villages and ancient sites in the Dordogne region—a place you've always dreamed of living. You were there supporting me when I represented Grenada, the country of my birth, at the Venice Biennale in 2019. Those journeys and moments remain some of my most cherished memories of our friendship.

When you were making your first film in Paris, we rented a house together there, and I had the joy of working as the production designer on that project. Later, when I made my first film, Absence of Love, you became my producer. You believed in my vision as an artist and filmmaker at a time when belief meant everything. Your faith in me was a gift I will carry for the rest of my life.

Donna was not only a collaborator, she was also a dear friend, a supporter, and truly like a sister to me. Her generosity of spirit, her curiosity about the world, and her dedication to meaningful storytelling touched so many lives.

I will forever be grateful for her friendship, her love, and the many journeys we shared.

Donna, may your path be filled with light.
May you travel onward with peace, clarity, and the blessings of the Dharma.
BILLY GERARD FRANK

Donna, although we have never met, looking at this video of your life really moved me. I feel we are kindred spirits. I want you to know that I am taking good care of your Sam. I can feel how much you loved him and all the love you gave him he carries in his being, which is so sweet, so in that way we are connected. Your love is there in your beautiful daughter and grandsons. I wish you only love on your journey onward.

This brought me to tears. So beautiful! xx Kaya