J.M. Harper
J.M. Harper is a sensitive and insightful director whose character-driven approach shapes every aspect of his filmmaking—from writing and cinematography to editing. Guided by a deeply personal point of view, he creates thoughtful, evocative, and challenging films that resonate far beyond the screen. His work spans projects such as Meta's We The Culture series, celebrating trailblazing Black creatives, and Paramount+'s exploration of the profound cultural implications of rap lyrics being used as evidence in criminal trials.
Harper's feature directorial debut, As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and earned a nomination for the Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary Emmy in 2025.
Raised among the cornfields of Rockford, Illinois, Harper discovered his passion for directing while living in Berlin, where he began making experimental films with a borrowed camera from Princeton University. He supported himself by directing music videos and editing feature documentaries before finding his way into the world of commercial filmmaking.
A gifted storyteller, Harper honed his craft as an editor on acclaimed projects including Don't Go Tellin' Your Momma and the Emmy-nominated Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. He has since brought that storytelling sensibility to commercial work for brands including Meta, Google, Verizon, Gatorade, and Jack Daniel's.
His work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Ciclope, the Clio Awards, and numerous other industry honors. He was also named to the Adweek Creative 100. Most recently, his documentary Soul Patrol premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival to standing ovations and earned Harper the U.S. Documentary Directing Award, marking his second consecutive feature premiere at Sundance. In 2020, he co-founded Change The Lens, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing proportional representation of Black filmmakers across the commercial, music video, and film industries.
