ARTHUR JAFA -
Focused primarily on life through the eyes of black Americans, Arthur Jafa’s work has garnered no shortage of praise from his peers and big names. His credits include Julie Dash’s
Daughters of the Dust,
Spike Lee’s Crooklyn
and music videos
like Solange’s
Cranes in the Sky.
ERNEST DICKERSON - Ernest Dickerson is a director in his own right. His directorial debut, Juice, is one of the most well known films in black cinema and his work is an staple in television.But he is arguably better known for his cinematography. Collaborating most with Spike Lee, his credits include Lee’s
Do the Right Thing,
She’s Gotta Have It,
Malcolm X
and
Eddie Murphy’s Raw.
CYBEL MARTIN -Most commonly known in the world of shorts, Cybel’s style is often colorful and distinct. Her credits include films like The Gilded Six Bits, Lumiette
and
No Vagrancy. She’s currently working on the
For The People
television series as an
Camera Operator.
MALIK SAYEED-
In the game for 23 years Malik’s visuals
are often hailed as bold and bright. His credits include Hype Williams’ Belly, Lee’s
He Got Game,Beyoncé’s Lemonade
and music videos for artists
like Rihanna andPharrell Williams.
BRADFORD YOUNG - A cinematographer constantly in demand, Bradford Young’s body of work is highly esteemed and growing. Known for a style that highlights and emphasizes the hues in black skin and other actors of color, his credits include Dee Rees
Pariah, Ava’s
Selma, A Most Violent Year, his Oscar nominated work on Arrival and recently Lucasfilm’s Solo.
KIRA KELLY - Starting out as an electrician in the lighting department,
Kira Kelly has worked her way up in the film business as a gaffer on films and TV shows.
Her credits include Ava DuVernay’s 13th and Queen Sugar.
HAN CHARLES - After years of working as an
assistant cameraman
for fellow Howard
alum and friend Bradford Young, Han met and worked with Ava on 13th.Though he has recently forayed more into the world of producing, his work on the groundbreaking documentarywon’t soon be forgotten. His other credits include Mr. SOUL!,
and the upcoming
1 Angry Black Man.
JESSIE MAPLE - Considered the
forerunner for
directors like Spike Lee, Charles Burnett and Lee Daniels,
Jessie Maple
is widely regarded for her contributions to black cinema and cinema as a whole. The first black woman to join the
International Photographers of Motion Picture & Television Union, she was also one of the first African-American woman to direct and create a
feature-length dramatic film.
kinda cool to think how someone somewhere is having the best day of their life today. someone’s hearing “i love you” for the first time today. someone’s gonna meet the love of their life today. someone’s gonna get the job of their dreams today. it’s someone’s best day today. and guess what binch? tomorrow it could be ur best day so keep going
