SHA-RISSE R. SMITH
Sha-Risse R. Smith is a writer, mother, and proud woman of Harlem, New York City. By day, she works to advance opportunities and education for students of color. By night, she works diligently to bring unique stories to the big screen by highlighting diversity and showcasing strong female leads.
Strive is Sha-Risse's first feature film. It is a story dedicated to the beautiful people of Harlem. Strive stars JoiStarr and Danny Glover and has won several awards including the 2019 Jury Award for Best Screenplay at The American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Sha-Risse's latest film is a documentary exploring the subculture of sticker art worldwide. The Sticker Movie premiered in Portland, Oregon in the fall of 2023 to a sold-out crowd at the historic Cinemagic Theater. The East Coast Premiere at The Brooklyn Art Haus in Williamsburg, NY, boasted 4 sold-out showings from January 12th - 14th alongside a gallery show featuring Shepard Fairey, Adam Cost, She Posse, Robots Will Kill, and others. Sha-Risse continues her freelance work for writing teams on independent films, shorts, and web series. She enjoys collecting art and spending quality time with her family. |
Awards
Winner Best Screenplay (2019) -STRIVE-The American Black Film Festival
Winner Audience Award (2019) - STRIVE - Harlem International Film Festival
Winner Best Narrative Feature (2019) - STRIVE- Awareness Festival of California
Winner Best Feature Film (2019) - STRIVE - New Jersey International Festival
Winner Best Narrative Feature (2019) - STRIVE - Valley Film Festival
Top 100 (2020) - The MC MD & Me - PAGE International Screenwriting Competition
Winner Audience Award (2019) - STRIVE - Harlem International Film Festival
Winner Best Narrative Feature (2019) - STRIVE- Awareness Festival of California
Winner Best Feature Film (2019) - STRIVE - New Jersey International Festival
Winner Best Narrative Feature (2019) - STRIVE - Valley Film Festival
Top 100 (2020) - The MC MD & Me - PAGE International Screenwriting Competition
Affiliations
Pixelated Ideas
Alethia Films
Cinema of Change
Finalmation Studios
AXS Film Fund
Alethia Films
Cinema of Change
Finalmation Studios
AXS Film Fund