Nakia Stephens

Nakia Stephens is an award-winning screenwriter and independent filmmaker who is devoted to telling authentic and purposeful stories that disrupt outdated and ill-informed narratives. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Nakia has always been influenced by Black culture and southern flair, which, coupled with studying creative writing in places like Shanghai, Beijing, and Ghana, helped to cultivate her passion for human connection through storytelling. She is known for crafting character-driven narratives that effortlessly blend elements of heartache, humor, and controversy all while naturally amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, especially Black Women and Girls. Nakia has had over 20 of her screenplays produced to screen including her most notable projects: Suga Water, Cream x Coffee, Noise, and Novella. Nakia has been featured and recognized for her work by festivals and platforms such as Deadline, BLAVITY, ABFF, Rolling Out Magazine, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and Black Girls Rock! She also garnered partnerships with major media outlets such as Revolt TV, Black&Sexy TV, and BET, just to name a few. Most recently, Nakia inked a development deal with Earvin "Magic" Johnson's cable network, aspire TV as well serving as an early development partner with 'Stranger Things' star, Priah Ferguson's new media collective, Bold Honey, Inc. Nakia is based in Los Angeles, CA where she can be found binge-watching her favorite shows, building community with local creatives and developing fresh new narratives with her screenwriting label, Damn Write Originals. Nakia believes in the alchemy of storytelling and always creates art with a purpose greater than self.