Joslyn Rose Lyons
Joslyn Rose Lyons is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and filmmaker whose films have been featured on Showtime, Paramount, Starz, Lionsgate, streaming platforms, and at film festivals nationally and throughout the world.
Joslyn was selected as a finalist by The Academy for their fifth Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, and she was invited by The Academy to be a Guest Panelist on their Gold Rising Program - committed to amplifying narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. Additionally, she was invited to be a Guest Speaker at USC's School of Cinematic Arts and hosted the 2023 WIF (Women In Film) panel with her producing partners Hill Harper and J. Alphonse Nicholson.
She has directed and produced a number of music videos, and films with artists including Ice Cube, Mahershala Ali, Common, Boots Riley, Rafael Casal, Daveed Diggs, E-40, Wu-Tang, Chad Hugo/N.E.R.D, and Vince Staples. Her first documentary “Soundz of Spirit” premiered at Urbanworld Film Festival and picked up Best Music Documentary at the New York International. Joslyn directed the first Music Matters showcase at CAA for the Grammy's with Mack Wilds and PJ Morton, and for the BET Awards she produced Celebrity Basketball with Nick Cannon, Chris Brown, Angela Yee, Fat Joe, Jemelle Hill, and Lil Rel Howery.
Her work as an impact producer extends to a number of critically acclaimed social justice documentaries including "Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power", (Lionsgate/Starz) featuring Barbara Lee, with Ayanna Presley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Alice Walker, Van Jones, Cory Booker, and Danny Glover. Joslyn teamed on the film release with #TakeTheLead, Starz's commitment to amplifying narratives by, about and for women. The film won the 53rd NAACP Image Awards for outstanding documentary.
She directed a documentary short film for Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award Winning artist Common and his Imagine Justice organization - dedicated to empowering communities and fighting injustice. She created and executive produced a two-part special “Same Energy” for Uninterrupted/SpringHill featuring Marshawn Lynch and 2-Chainz. Joslyn is the producer of "Tale of the Tape", which takes an unabashed look at the role The Mixtape played during the growth of Hip Hop with Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, and J. Cole.
Her short film "Looking Glass" was invited to premiere at Sundance London, picking up Best Short at The American Film Awards, and TopShorts Best Female Director. She picked up Best Director Award at the 7th edition of LA Independent Women Film Awards for her short "Butterfly Boxing", which premiered at Essence Film Festival, and stars Hill Harper and J. Alphonse Nicholson.
Joslyn's feature-length directorial debut, "Stand", (Showtime/Paramount), is an examination of the extraordinary journey of pioneer activist and basketball prodigy Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. The documentary features Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, Shaquille O'Neal, Jalen Rose, Mahershala Ali, Ice Cube and more.
She is an Academy Gold Fellowship for Women Finalist, a member of the Alliance of Women Directors, and is represented by Creative Artists Agency.
What topic do you discuss in your script? And why?
"Shadowbox" delves into the intertwining forces of dreams, gentrification, and community struggles within a city. This narrative explores these themes and the magic that surrounds us.
How do people feel after reading your script?
That my script gnites the spark within, inspiring readers to follow their dreams and embrace their creative potential.
Do you think that films can change people for the better or for the worse?
"Shadowbox" harnesses the transformative potential of cinema to alter our perception of time and celebrate the inherent luminosity within us all.
According to 3-act dramaturgy, how would you define your story?*
"Shadowbox" follows a traditional 3-act structure, with the initial setup introducing characters and conflicts, followed by rising tensions and revelations, leading to a resolution that explores the transformative power of community and resilience.
How does the main character develop?
The main characters undergoe a journey of self-discovery and resilience, navigating the challenges presented by gentrification and personal struggles. Through their experiences, they evolve emotionally and spiritually.
What actors do you imagine in your project (typologically)?
I envision a diverse ensemble cast that can authentically portray the complexity and diversity of the characters in "Shadowbox." Actors who can bring depth and nuance to their roles, capturing the essence of the narrative's magical realism.
Why do you think your script should attract a director?
Shadowbox" offers a unique blend of captivating storytelling, visual magical realism, and meaningful social commentary. Its innovative approach and universal themes provide a compelling canvas for a director to showcase their creative vision.
At which festivals did you receive the award?
"Shadowbox" screenplay has not yet received awards, its unique vision and compelling narrative have received support within the film community.
Which screenwriters are your favorite and why?
I admire screenwriters who skillfully blend reality with fantasy, such as Barry Jenkins, Jean Pierre Junet, Spike Lee, whose works inspire deep introspection and imagination.
About which topics are your screenplays?
My stories often explore themes of identity, inner quest, societal change, and the transformative power of art.
What motivates you the most to write screenplays?
I'm motivated by a desire to explore the human experience, provoke thought, and inspire empathy through storytelling. The possibility of creating worlds that resonate deeply with audiences drives my creative process.
What are your plans in future careers?
Creating compelling narratives that challenge and inspire audiences, while also collaborating with diverse voices in the film industry and beyond to promote artistic expression, inclusivity and representation.
Learn more about Joslyn and her projects https://www.instagram.com/itsjoslynrose