by Jessica P. Gillespie
WATCH: https://youtu.be/87E_VFxB_A0
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hBYFQiMUXrLFOouGCfK0I?si=d_OaxjLmRcORalnagoO-0Q
One could easily write an entire series about Kelley Kali’s remarkable journey. A former Anthropology major with a focus on archaeology and a film minor from Howard University, she eventually committed to film school at USC. This decision led to a career filled with award-winning films that tackle heavy, urgent topics like child trafficking and the injustices of the U.S. legal system.
Kali’s narrative filmmaking centers on real, impactful stories meant to educate and empower her audiences. While her favorite hero is the Black woman, she is intentional in creating films that show we are not a monolith—something that sets her career as a director and producer on a trajectory toward a bright future. Beyond her brilliant talent, Kali’s bold mission is to raise the standards for storytelling, ensuring that her work reflects truth, authenticity, sensitivity, and empathy.
Kali’s upcoming project, Give Me Back My Daughter, premiered on Lifetime on April 5, 2025. The film tells the story of Renee (played by Gabourey Sidibe) and her daughter Imani (Cadence Reese), who find themselves homeless after Renee loses her job and is evicted from their home. Kali explains that the film captures the harsh reality of being a modern Black woman in America.
Since her powerful commentary on “owning our narrative” at the XL Film Festival, Kali has been busy with new projects, including a TV movie for Lifetime. She’s also continued to see the lasting impact of her film Kemba, while receiving major recognition at the 2025 NAACP Awards, where she was honored for Outstanding Directing in a TV Movie, Documentary, or Special.
