Cinetic Media has signed New York-based documentary filmmaker Contessa Gayles, expanding her representation across all media. Known for her poignant and impactful storytelling, Gayles has recently made waves at SXSW with her critically acclaimed film Songs from the Hole, which not only received strong reviews but also won the Visions Audience Award. This film, a documentary visual album, explores the life of musician James “JJ’88” Jacobs as he confronts his innermost struggles while serving a double life sentence.
🏆 Continued Success and Upcoming Projects: Building on her success, Gayles is set to premiere her new documentary The Debutantes at the Tribeca Festival. This project, created in collaboration with NBC News Studios, Westbrook Studios, and BET Studios, follows the lives of three teens—Amelia, Dedra, and Teylar—as they explore identity and gender norms through personal video diaries and dance, all while pursuing their ambitious dreams.
📺 A Rich Filmmaking Background: Prior to her latest endeavors, Gayles’ documentary short Founder Girls, executive produced by Queen Latifah, premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Festival and was broadcast on BET. Her extensive experience includes a tenure at CNN where she produced, directed, and edited award-winning series and documentaries, such as The Feminist on Cellblock Y and the Emmy-nominated Feeding America’s Most Vulnerable Children. Her work has also appeared on major platforms including Vice, PBS NewsHour, PBS Frontline, and in documentary features for Netflix, Disney/Hulu, and Showtime.
Cinetic Media’s partnership with Contessa Gayles marks a significant step in her career, offering her broader avenues for her documentary projects and further establishing her as a key voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking. Her deep commitment to exploring complex social issues through a nuanced lens continues to make her work both relevant and transformative.
