Joslyn Rose Lyons

I knew, from a very early age, that I wanted to make movies. I didn’t know how I would do it, I just followed my passion and it’s continued to lead me on this path.

Documenting the creative process has always inspired my work. I created The Museum of Light, where artists such as Robert Glasper, Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs, and Pharoahe Monch talk being alchemists and the courage to create. My first documentary, “Soundz of Spirit,” (Common, Saul Williams, Andre 3000, CeeLo Green) similarly explored the creative process and spiritual connection. Seeing artists in their element, along with my passion for music, is often the spark or light, that guides the direction of my work. It led me to produce the first Music Matters Grammy Showcase with PJ Morton, and Mack Wilds at the Creative Artists Agency, and content for HBO, OWN, and Vh1.

Joslyn Rose Lyons. photo credit: Lauren Crew

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced in my field, whether it’s hip-hop content, sports shows or music videos, has been wanting to be seen as a Director or Producer first, and as a woman second, when it’s so often seen the other way around. The way I’ve learned to overcome this is by allowing the passion that I have for my work– that same passion that has motivated me to create and inspires all of the projects I’ve been a part of – to be the driving force behind my work. When you are seen as a woman first, and not for your talent first, your creative abilities are often shelved. I’ve had to prove my artistic abilities, my skills, even at times my intentions, just because I’m a woman, in order to be seen as a professional. When someone is truly passionate about what they’re doing, it’s undeniable and that shows. My colleague Saul Williams once posted this quote and it really resonated: