Empowering Young Filmmakers: Kalia Love Jones' NAACP Image Award Nomination and Impact of 'Silent Killer' Film

Kalia Love Jones is a teen filmmaker that has one of the most compelling films of the year. "Silent Killer" is a new, documentary short film directed, written and produced by Kalia Love Jones. 

"Silent Killer" explores the inadequate access to mental health resources for Black Men and the impact of police intervention. It highlights the pressing need for systemic change and its impact on affected families and communities. 

We caught up with Kalia Love Jones, award-winning director writer and producer to discuss filmmaking, her second film "Silent Killer" and more.

What ignited you to make the "Silent Killer" documentary short film?

I was inspired to create "Silent Killer" after seeing how deeply mental health struggles impact Black communities—yet so many people don’t get the help they need. Stigma, lack of resources, and systemic barriers prevent Black individuals from accessing mental health care, and I wanted to shed light on that. Too often, these struggles go unseen or unspoken, making mental health a true "Silent Killer."

What made you decide to make "Silent Killer" a documentary short film?

I felt that a short documentary was the best way to tell this story because real voices and lived experiences make the issue even more powerful. A documentary allows people to hear directly from those affected, as well as experts and advocates working to create change. I wanted it to be both informative and deeply personal, something that would resonate with audiences and spark conversations.

Your documentary short film "Silent Killer" was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Congrats! What was the experience like to attend the NAACP Image Awards?

Thank you! Attending the NAACP Image Awards was an incredible honor. Being in a space that celebrates Black excellence and storytelling was truly inspiring. Seeing my work recognized on that stage reminded me of the importance of using film to amplify critical issues and give a voice to those who need to be heard. It was an unforgettable experience.

What has been the feedback from those who have watched your documentary short film?

The response has been overwhelmingly powerful. Many people have reached out to say that the film made them feel seen or helped them recognize the importance of prioritizing their mental health. Others have shared that it opened their eyes to how deeply systemic barriers impact access to care. Some even said it encouraged them to seek help or start conversations with their loved ones, which means so much to me.

What kind of stories inspire your storytelling approach?

I’m inspired by stories that challenge stigmas and give a platform to voices that are often unheard. I want to tell stories that not only highlight problems but also inspire action and hope. I’m drawn to narratives that focus on resilience, healing, and the ways communities can come together to support each other.

How has your experience with this film shaped your vision for upcoming projects?

This film has reinforced my passion for telling socially impactful stories. It has also pushed me to explore new ways of blending education with emotion, making sure that my work not only informs but also moves people to take action. Moving forward, I want to continue telling stories that shed light on important issues while also highlighting solutions and paths forward.

For your next project, what genres or styles will you be exploring next?

I’m excited to explore more narrative-driven storytelling while still keeping a focus on real issues. I’m interested in experimenting with scripted drama, animation, and even hybrid formats that combine documentary elements with fictional storytelling. No matter the genre, my goal remains the same: to tell stories that matter and spark change.

Director, Writer, and Producer Kalia Love Jones is an 18-year-old ambitious filmmaker. She began her film journey at just 13 with the award winning animated short film "The Power of Hope." At 14, Kalia became the youngest filmmaker ever nominated for an NAACP Image Award, youngest winner of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival and praised by First Lady Michele Obama on The Today Show. Kalia's second film and first foray into documentary filmmaking, "Silent Killer" is a powerful documentary short that uncovers the inadequate access to mental health resources for Black men and the devastating outcomes that result from police intervention. The film shines a light on the pressing need for change and sheds light on the lives and families affected by this ongoing crisis. Kalia's second film "Silent Killer" was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film). Kalia Love Jones is featured in national media and national TV including NBC TV, ABC TV, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CW TV, MSNBC, CBS TV, The Today Show and more. Follow Kalia Love Jones on Instagram: @KaliaLoveJones