Deborah Ray-Sims

Deborah developed a love of making movies as a young child when she saw how television made an impact on her community. Deborah grew up in the post-civil rights era, during a time of racial tension, conflict and strife. It was a welcome relief to see programs that explored resolutions to these issues. As a young child growing up in Detroit, she was fascinated by programs like "Soul" and "Colored People's Time." Two very rare television programs at the time, about the African American community. She was also very much influenced by the Motown sound, and with "Hitsville USA" only a few blocks from where she grew up on the west side of Detroit, she was primed to be a part of the entertainment world. Fascinated by the stories depicted on the television that she could relate to, Deborah vowed one day she would be a part of it. After getting her degree in Television- Radio -Film, and working as an intern at the Detroit public television station, Deborah soon got her first job working as an associate producer and later promoted as Producer of local Emmy nominated "Detroit Black Journal." One of the premier shows that chronicled the vast and rich cultural heritage of African Americans in Detroit and worldwide. As a result of working on Detroit Black Journal, she was able to travel to Senegal West Africa where she produced a documentary on a Senegalese dance troupe entitled "Mudra Afrique" that garnered her a National Black Programming Consortium Award. This trip was life changing for Deborah and she began to more readily explore stories on the continent. Several years after this initial trip to Africa, she was offered an opportunity to live and work in Lagos, Nigeria. Her upcoming film "A Delicate Balance," in development, is inspired by her time living and working on the continent. This film shows a modern day depiction of Africa rarely seen, and challenges the stereotypes of African society, often portrayed as war torn, victims of famine and wild animals roaming the land. As a filmmaker Deborah tells stories that not only entertain but educate. She wants to continue to produce thought provoking inspirational films centered on intercultural themes and story lines.