About seventy-two percent of filmmakers, per Zippia, are men, and only seven percent of those filmmakers are African American. The percentage of Black, female filmmakers is undoubtedly much lower. The film industry has notoriously excluded minority women for a long time, so much so that many of the Black female filmmakers visible today are still in their early career stages. It’s important to have Black women in this industry, fighting to create beautiful Black media despite the pushback still being faced in this day and age. We’re fortunate to have creatives like Ava Duvernay, Julie Dash, and Andrea Ward representing the misrepresented.
Andrea Ward, a Baltimore native with familial ties to the late Billie Holiday—shared the moment that sparked her interest in filmmaking with I Love Us.
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“It all started when I was 9 years old. I originally began by writing short stories, creating worlds and characters that captivated my imagination.” she says, “I fell in love with storytelling through films like Titanic and Stephen King adaptations, which showed me the power of emotion, suspense, and deep character development on screen. Watching these films made me realize that storytelling wasn’t just about words on a page—it was a visual and emotional experience. That’s when my passion for filmmaking truly began.”
Her films, which she describes as a form of “raw, unfiltered, and authentic storytelling,” take form in stories that are usually suppressed.
“I gravitate toward stories that aren’t often told—narratives that challenge perspectives, push boundaries, and tap into deep human emotions. At the same time, I love bringing an imaginative, almost otherworldly creativity to my work, blending reality with elements that feel larger than life.”
Most filmmakers have a signature style that audiences immediately recognize—for example, Wes Anderson’s distinctive color palettes or Tyler Perry’s iconic character, Madea. Ward’s aesthetic, however, is more abstract.
“A tell-tale sign that I’m behind a film? You’ll feel the depth, the grit, and the authenticity in the story, but there will always be an unexpected twist—something bold, visually striking, or emotionally profound that leaves a lasting impact.”
A filmmaker’s movies are all representative of their raw talents, and most creatives normally have at least one film they’re very proud of. For Ward, her 2022 film Reborn Redemption, which follows a young scientist faced with the challenge of saving the world, is a favorite of hers.
“This film holds a special place in my heart because of its powerful message, raw storytelling, and the creative vision that brought it to life. Seeing it reach a wider audience and knowing that it resonates with people makes all the hard work worth it. It’s a testament to my commitment to telling authentic, impactful stories, and it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in filmmaking.”
Besides filmmaking, Andrea Ward wears a plethora of professional hats, including producing, a profession she developed an interest in around the time she found filmmaking.
“My interest in producing developed alongside my passion for filmmaking. But beyond just bringing stories to life, I also wanted to create safe and supportive spaces for my crew and talent—especially for women. The industry can be tough, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that come with it. As a producer, I make it a priority to foster an environment where creativity can thrive, where people feel valued and protected, and where diverse voices are heard. For me, producing isn’t just about making great films—it’s about building a better industry.”
These two occupations go hand in hand and can be tricky to balance both roles. Ward, however, knows how to differentiate between her director and producer identities.
“It can be a balancing act, but I’ve learned how to navigate both roles without letting them blur too much. As a director, my focus is on the creative vision—how the story is told, the performances, and the overall artistic execution. As a producer, I’m thinking about the bigger picture—budget, logistics, scheduling, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.”
However, she must remain aware of her role at any given moment and fully trust her team.
“There are times when I have to consciously step back and remind myself which hat I’m wearing at the moment. When I’m producing, I trust my director to lead creatively, just as I expect my producers to support me when I’m directing. But having experience in both roles definitely helps me be more efficient and adaptable, ensuring the project reaches its full potential from both a creative and production standpoint.”
Ward also excels in design, a field where she combines her eye for aesthetics—determining what flatters a model—with her knack for assembling pieces that work harmoniously together.
“For me, creating an outfit is a blend of both—envisioning what will complement the model while also ensuring the pieces themselves work together harmoniously. I start with the overall mood and message I want the outfit to convey. Is it bold and powerful? Soft and elegant? Edgy and unconventional? From there, I consider the model’s body type, movement, and personal style to ensure the design enhances their natural presence.”
Her designs are rooted in storytelling, reflecting her background in both filmmaking and producing.
“Once I have that foundation, I focus on the details—textures, colors, and silhouettes that create balance and cohesion. Sometimes, a single statement piece inspires the entire look, while other times, it’s about mixing elements unexpectedly to create something unique. Ultimately, it’s about storytelling through fashion, making sure the outfit doesn’t just look good but also evokes a feeling.”
Besides her many career endeavors, Ward is deeply committed to fighting domestic violence—a cause she has personally experienced and witnessed.
“Fighting against domestic violence is deeply personal for me. I’ve witnessed and experienced abuse and the devastating impact it has on individuals and families, and I know how hard it can be to break free and rebuild. No one deserves to suffer in silence, and that’s why I’m passionate about using my voice and platform to spread awareness and advocate for survivors.”
Her creative projects also provide her with an outlet to express her activism.
“I spread awareness through my work—whether it’s through storytelling in film, supporting organizations like Beyond the Storm, or organizing initiatives like toy and clothing drives to help affected families. I also believe in having real, open conversations about domestic violence, breaking the stigma, and providing resources so survivors know they’re not alone. My goal is to create safe spaces where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to take back control of their lives.”
She’s the great-niece of the legendary Billie Holiday, a person she says inspired her to follow her dreams.
“Being the great-niece of Billie Holiday is an incredible legacy, and her career has definitely been a source of inspiration for me. She wasn’t just an artist—she was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and someone who used her voice to express raw emotion and truth, even when it was controversial. That level of authenticity and courage has always motivated me to be fearless in my own creativity.”
Although Ward’s family isn’t full of industry professionals, creativity runs deep in her roots.
“Whether it’s music, storytelling, or other artistic pursuits, there’s always been an appreciation for the arts. I grew up surrounded by strong, passionate individuals who encouraged self-expression, and that foundation shaped me into the filmmaker, producer, and storyteller I am today.”
When asked what advice she would give to young girls wanting to break into this tough, unforgiving industry, Ward offers three tips; Believe in your voice, Stay Resilient, and Never wait for permission.
“This industry can be tough, and you will face challenges, but don’t let rejection or doubt stop you. Keep honing your craft, whether it’s writing, directing, producing, or performing. Take every opportunity to learn—watch films, study the greats, network, and most importantly, create your own work. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a chance; build your own table if necessary. Also, protect your energy and your vision. Surround yourself with people who uplift and respect you. This industry can test your confidence, so always remember why you started and stay true to your passion. You have something unique to offer, and the world needs your voice.”
Her first book, Shades of Black and Blue, will be released on Amazon. The project is very important to her and explores themes of “resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity, all told through a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.”
Overall, Andrea Ward is a multi-talented auteur who continues to release powerful ideas through her work, proudly showing off her abilities without shame or fear.
Cover photo: The Inspiring Journey of Andrea Ward in Film / Photo Courtesy of Andrea Ward
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