Avril Speaks

Avril Z. Speaks is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and showrunner whose work spans narrative film, documentary, and television. With an MFA in Film Directing from Columbia University and a background in African American Studies and film from the University of Maryland and Howard University, Avril brings both academic rigor and creative vision to her storytelling. She has produced acclaimed projects such as Jinn (SXSW Special Jury Recognition, distributed by MGM/Orion Classics), African America (a South African film now on Netflix), and Dotty & Soul. Her work often explores themes of race, gender, and spirituality, and she is deeply committed to telling stories that foster connection, reflection, and change.

In addition to her production work, Avril is a leader and mentor in the independent film community. She served as showrunner for Uprooted: The Untold Keith Warren Story (Max) and executive producer on Files of the Unexplained(Netflix). A Sundance Momentum Fellow and Dear Producer Award recipient, she is also the co-founder of Distribution Advocates, a collective working to demystify indie film distribution. Avril teaches at Azusa Pacific University and serves on the boards of Level Ground and the Black TV & Film Collective. Whether in the classroom or on set, Avril continues to empower emerging filmmakers and champion stories that challenge, uplift, and inspire. She serves as Senior Program Director for the Storytellers Collective.