Meet Kyra Knox: Director/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyra Knox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyra, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
A huge risk that played an important role in my life was quitting my corporate job almost 3 years ago to follow my dreams as a Producer/Director. I didn’t want to wake up 40 years from now, still working in a cubicle, and I never took that leap of faith. It was scary at first and yes I struggled in the beginning but now it feels so damn good to say I did it. I get paid to do what I love as a career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am so proud of my most recent short film ‘I Am My Ancestors’ Dreams’ because it’s the first project I fully felt like a filmmaker. I’m so used to bringing other people’s visions to life but this was the first time it was my vision and I was also able to highlight stories in my community. I have to thank Stacey Grant from Koi-Fly Creatives for giving me the platform to showcase this project and being such a major support system to me. It’s so refreshing because it’s rare that you get it that as a black filmmaker from someone who is not black. It was not easy to get where I am at today because I faced a lot of sexism and also discrimination because of my race in the industry. I’m so thankful to have found people like Jayson and Sheryl who are black filmmakers that helped me get to where I am at today. There were so many times I wanted to give up but I kept pushing and I’m happy so I did.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Unfortunately because of Covid a lot of my favorites places are closed but definitely, I would take a friend to Dalessandro’s for a cheesesteak because I’m a Philly girl! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely, Jayson Ward Williams deserves a HUGE shout-out because he believed in me. 3 years ago he gave me my first paycheck as a producer and I was so green!!! But he believed in me and who knows what would’ve happened if he didn’t. Sheryl Gauntlett Jadrosich deserves a shout-out because she really took me under her wing as my production manager and taught me everything I know as a producer. She created a safe space that I could be Kyra and I’m incredibly thankful to her. Hector, Ray, and Sam who are my film squad 4 life I have to shout them out because any idea I present to them they are ready to support me. They never ask for money and we just love helping each other out. They’ve been an amazing support system to me. And last but not least Omar Evans has known me since I was 18 and has been there during the ups and downs growing up. I remember when I told him I was going to quit my job to follow my dreams and he told me I had balls! He supported me and has constantly been a rock for me in this industry.

Website: https://vimeo.com/kyraknox

Instagram: @kyraknox_

Twitter: @kyraknox_