Neema Barnette is a renowned director and producer who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with her socially conscious and thought-provoking work. Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Barnette began her career as a stage actress and later transitioned to directing, making her debut at the Public Theatre with "The Blue Journey" by Oyamo.
Barnette's early success led to her being awarded a place in the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women, where she wrote, produced, and directed her first film, "Sky Captain," a surrealistic fantasy drama. This film earned her critical acclaim and recognition within the industry, including an Emmy Award for her work on "To Be a Man" for ABC Television.
Throughout her career, Barnette has directed numerous films and television shows, including "My Super Sweet 16: The Movie" for MTV Paramount, "All You've Got" for MTV Paramount Films, and "Woman Thou Art Loosed On the 7th Day," which premiered as number one for per screen average opening weekend. She has also worked on several documentaries, including "The Silent Crime" for NBC, which won an American Women in Radio & Television award for directing.
Barnette has received numerous awards and nominations for her work, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the industry, including being honored by Women in Film and being declared "Neema Barnette Day" by Congressman Charles Rangel.
In addition to her work in film and television, Barnette is also a professor at UCLA's School of Film & Television and has taught at the USC School of Cinema. She is also the founder of Hope Entertainment, her own production company, and is the Executive Director of Live Theatre Gang, an urban theatre and performance company.
