Bicoastal Greenpoint Pictures has added Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah to its directorial roster. This marks her first career signing for commercial production representation in the U.S.
Dawson-Amoah’s passion for film was born from the desire to translate her poetry to the screen. Her work is evocative, deeply moving, and subtly thought-provoking, drawing the viewer into the world she has created through a catalytic camera lens. At times observed, sometimes narrative, Dawson-Amoah’s work is expertly choreographed.
She also has a deep commitment to expanding representation within the industry. Beyond her work as a director, Dawson-Amoah runs The Melacast Network, a virtual platform focused on connecting BIPOC actors, directors, and crew of color with the opportunities, talent, and resources needed to tell culturally rich and diverse stories through film. Her work has been recognized by Fusion Film Festival, Raindance Festival, Cinequest, Toronto Black Film Festival, NFFTY, among others.
In her short film To the Girl That Looks Like Me, Dawson-Amoah extends an outstretched hand to young Black girls of all ages, giving voice to their pain and perseverance, while also celebrating a rich, shared heritage and culture. Elemental, nuanced, and poignant, the film was a 2020 Student Academy Awards finalist and selected for the “Scene in Color Film Series,” a joint partnership between Target and NBCUniversal which will introduce viewers to three emerging BIPOC filmmakers and their short films. Clips from To the Girl That Looks Like Me, were featured in a segment announcing the film series on The Today Show, during which producer Will Packer championed Dawson-Amoah, saying, “this is the next generation of filmmakers we’re going to be hearing about for a very long time.”
“It’s a crazy special feeling when you’re surrounded by people that want to see you win,” said Dawson-Amoah. “What drives me most is telling stories that create an impact and challenge the norms. I’m constantly looking for ways to experiment behind the camera and the team at Greenpoint truly fosters that environment, allowing me the space to grow as a director. I’m excited to say I found my new creative home.”
“Ewurakua is one of those rare talents that comes around only once in a blue moon,” said Greenpoint creative director Niles Roth. “Her films make use of choreography and visual metaphor in a way that you usually only see with seasoned directors. The work she was making in college was so strong we had to see what she could create with the right amount of money and resources. I am beyond excited to have her as part of the Greenpoint family and to watch her star ascend.”
Kari Grubin To Become First Woman President Of The Hollywood Professional Association
Kari Grubin will succeed Seth Hallen as president of the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) on January 1, 2025.
When Hallen passes HPA leadership to Grubin, the organization marks a noteworthy milestone in its history as she becomes the first woman to hold the HPA presidency and only its third president since the organization’s founding, following Hallen and HPA founder Leon Silverman. A recognized expert in technology, consultative expertise and postproduction services, Grubin possesses the experience and vision to help drive HPA through the next phase of the industry’s evolution.
“I am truly honored and excited to be part of the leadership team of this great organization that means so much to me, and I will bring my passion and experience to this responsibility,” said HPA president-elect Grubin. “Now more than ever, HPA is a critical and hyper-relevant partner for the individuals and companies at work in our industry as we face the significant change, challenge and opportunity ahead. HPA will continue to be a conduit for our community to grow, reach out for new opportunities and adapt. I’m assuming the leadership of a thriving organization, and I look forward to shepherding it through its next powerful new phase. I encourage our community to join us in the work ahead and look forward to the upcoming collaboration.”
Hallen and Grubin will work closely over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. A dedicated HPA Board member since 2020, Grubin has spearheaded several of HPA’s most impactful initiatives. She co-founded HPA Women in Post (2011) which provides leadership opportunities and visibility for women working in professional content creation. Under the leadership of Grubin and fellow board member Loren... Read More