We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jermaine Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jermaine below.

Alright, Jermaine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up in the arts. I was always involved whether it was going to the museum, going to see stage plays with my mom, seeing a film every weekend and then I found myself performing on stage. I enjoyed the method and process of productions, from being in them to working the production. I enjoyed learning how these productions were created and getting a deeper understanding of how they production ran essentially. when I was a kid, I would often write short stories in plays in my room. I am the only child so naturally I learned to entertain myself and I did so through creating stories of world I imagine. My mom always encouraged me to be creative and she herself was a creative as well, sewer and lover of literature. When I was in high school I became more serious and began to really immerse myself in my schools production and enrolling in an afterschool program at a local performing arts high school. it took a turn from when I began to explore careers on the production side such as producing. I found this to natural for me as I liked problem solving, networking/ building community and assembling shows. When I attended college I knew majoring in TV and Film Production that was more the ultimate goal that would eventually lead me to the road I’m on now.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a passionate and visionary filmmaker dedicated to creating authentic and empowering stories that reflect the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Black communities. With a background in TV and Film Production from Howard University and a profound commitment to education and advocacy, I use film as a powerful tool for visibility and transformation. My independent documentary, “Flowers for My Father”, explores the nuanced realities of Black fatherhood, offering heartfelt narratives that celebrate love, legacy, and connection. My work is deeply rooted in uplifting underrepresented voices, cultivating spaces for meaningful dialogue, and collaborating with communities to shine a light on stories often left untold. Through my artistry and intention, I plan to inspire and educate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film. I got my initial start my volunteering at local film festival and community events that would allow me to access to shadow those who worked in this field professionally. I would often finesse mob way into these spaces and figure out who were the team leads that could bring me on for pay. While I was living in Atlanta, I was volunteering for a production and I finessed my way to the side where film screenings were happening. A member of production noticed I was a volunteer as my shirt and wristband had indicated that and she was confused because I was doing work that was outside of my jurisdiction. I was a little intimated because I thought that I would be removed from the set as I did not belong on that side of production. the next day I returned and the Production Manager had W2 forms and credentials with my name. she recognized my hard work the day prior and offered me a shot as a Production Assistant. from there I continued to network and hustle, making great connections which I counted to establish and build rapport to get more jobs.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I really enjoy films. As I mentioned before, I would visit the movie theatre every weekend. It was a chance to escape my reality and explore another world. But it also showed me reflections of my community sharing stories that we could identify with. Two films that have encouraged, shaped and inspired my work as a filmmaker, storyteller and documentarian are The Black Godfather and Quincy. These two films, which ironically align in timing, tell the stories of two legends in Hollywoods and cultural influencers Clarence Avant and Quincy Jones. These films were more about educating our community not just on who these two men were but how they used the arts to advocate for their community, taking risks and not taking no for an answer when they knew they were deserving of a yes. I gain so much insight on how they navigated the industry during their time by building community, using music, sports and film to share our stories. It gave me an understanding of how I wanted to use my voice to tell stories that truly reflect our community and advocate for those who may not know how to do so for themselves.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I like to builds a dynamic social media presence by actively engaging with brands and individuals who align with the values and themes of my work. By fostering authentic connections, I amble to amplify voices that reflect my storytelling and vision, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. I consistently support and highlight Black-owned businesses, cultural movements, and creatives whose missions resonate with my own. Beyond digital platforms, I attend and vendor at events that celebrate Black community, family, and artistry, ensuring my work remains rooted in the spaces it represents. By sharing space with other artists and participating in collaborative environments, I not only deepen the impact of my own projects but also uplift a larger creative network dedicated to meaningful change.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @flowersformyfatherfilm @incognitovirgo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdavis094/?profileId=ACoAABmI_RMB38Lw5U8QYYt8J6KJGQ4eocpLPzQ