Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

Joe Brewster is a renowned filmmaker who, alongside his wife Michèle Stephenson, co-founded Rada Studio in 2006. His work is characterized by a strong commitment to challenging traditional narratives and reimagining the storytelling landscape, with a focus on the experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Notably, his feature documentary “American Promise” earned the Jury Prize at Sundance and received three Emmy nominations. He also contributed to the documentary “Stateless,” which garnered a nomination for Best Feature Documentary at the Canadian Academy Awards. Joe’s artistic versatility extends to virtual reality, exemplified in the immersive trilogy “The Changing Same,” which explores racial terror and premiered at Sundance, gaining recognition at the Tribeca Festival. Beyond his numerous accolades, he is a Guggenheim fellow and a prominent member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, solidifying his position as a pioneering force in the world of documentary storytelling.

Michèle Stephenson is a visionary filmmaker who aims to disrupt conventional storytelling and champion narratives by and for BIPOC communities. Her work challenges preconceived notions and offers profound insights.

One of Michèle’s notable achievements is “American Promise,” a feature documentary that received the Jury Prize at Sundance and three Emmy nominations. Her involvement in “Stateless” also earned it a Best Feature Documentary nomination at the Canadian Academy Awards. Michèle’s innovative storytelling extends to virtual reality with the magical realist trilogy “The Changing Same,” which explores racial terror and gained recognition at Sundance and the Tribeca Festival.

As a Guggenheim fellow and esteemed member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Michèle Stephenson continues to push the boundaries of documentary filmmaking, amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping narratives in the process.