Marquise Mays
Documentary Filmmaker & Educator
BLACK STRINGS
Director
(Post-Production)
The Black String Triage Ensemble, an all-African American string orchestra in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, performs on the scene in the immediate aftermath of incidents of gun violence, altering the notion of “first responders.” In a city with such a troubled relationship with violence, can this ensemble transform the traumatized public space into a place of recovery, healing and hope?
Recipient | 2022 HOMEGROWN: Future Visions Grant - Firelight Media, PBS & The Center of Asian American Media (CAAM)
Recipient | 2020 & 2021 Brico Forward Fund - Milwaukee Film
Recipient | 2021 New Voices Fellowship - Marquette University & No Studios
Support | 2021 Sony x VC Mentorship Program - Video Consortium & Sony
Director
(2021)
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Highlighting both the joys and trials of growing up Black in the Midwest, three Black Milwaukee residents confront & reconcile the unrequited love between them and their city. Exclusively streaming on The Criterion Channel.
WINNER | FLICKERS' INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FIRST PRIZE Jury Award - 2021 Rhode Island International Film Festival
HONORABLE MENTION - 2021 Roxbury International Film Festival
Official Selection - 2021 New York City Independent Film Festival
WINNER | Cream City Cinema Jury Award - 2021 Milwaukee Film Fest
Official Selection - 2021 Indy Film Fest
HONORABLE MENTION - 2021 New Jersey International Film Festival
Official Selection - 2021 BET Black Film Friday
Official Selection - 2021 Nō Boundaries Emerging Filmmaker Series
Director
(2020)
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"Blindspot" is a brief glimpse through the life of Granny Lue. A woman of faith, fearlessness and fierce energy. She never allowed her disability to dictate her ability to live. Available to watch as a part of the Urban Indie Film Block on AspireTV.
Best Director - 2021 Milwaukee International Film Festival
Official Selection - 2020 Rolling Ideas Film Festival
Official Selection - 2020 Visions of the Black Experience
Official Selection - 2020 CUFF.Docs Film Festival
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Associate Producer
(2019)
A personal retelling of the life and death of Latasha Harlins, the forgotten spark igniting the Los Angeles uprising of 1992, popularly known as the LA riots. Exclusively on Kanopy.
WINNER - Silver Medalist, Student Academy Award Best Documentary Film
WINNER - 2020 Best Doc Fine Cut Festival of Films
Official Selection - 2020 BronzeLens Film Festival
Official Selection - Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase