Director's Works
On, To Chase A Dream J.M. Harper, Hector Aponysus
J.M. HARPER
J.M. Harper is a sensitive and insightful director who brings a character-driven approach to all elements of filmmaking – writing, cinematography and editing – discovering each project from a deeply personal point-of-view. He delivers thoughtful, evocative and challenging films – from the trailblazing black creatives in the "We The Culture" series for Meta, to the profound history of rap lyrics on trial for Paramount+.
Raised in the cornfields of Rockford, Illinois, Harper discovered a love for directing while in Berlin, making experimental art films with a borrowed camera from Princeton University. He made ends meet by directing music promos for bands and editing feature documentaries before stepping into the outskirts of the advertising industry.
Harper has a unique talent for storytelling, having cut his teeth as an editor on culturally significant projects like Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma (the Sundance-winning pseudo-documentary inspired by the Black ABCs of the 1970's) and Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (an Emmy-nominated, intimate and far-reaching Kanye West documentary directed by childhood friends Coodie & Chike). Harper carried this storytelling sensibility into striking commercial work for clients like Facebook, Google, Allianz, Verizon, Gatorade, Comcast and Jack Daniels. He has been honored as part of the AdWeek Creative 100 and won laurels at Cannes Lions, Ciclope, the Clio Awards and several more. In 2020, he co-founded the non-profit Change The Lens, Inc. as a global pledge to fight for proportional representation of black filmmakers within the commercial, music video and film industries.
HECTOR APONYSUS
From capturing Obongjayar performing in front of his family for the first time in his childhood home – which won an UKMVA in 2022 – to tracking down rave kids in the North East of England; Hector Aponysus is drawn to capturing the energy and spirit of people who find creative ways to exist in the world.
In his documentary short Makina! (2020) made in collaboration with Boiler Room 4:3 and The British Council, he follows the history (both present and past) of a North East rave scene, born out of working class life and told by the people themselves. His ability to find an emotive anchor point - big or small - makes his approach to storytelling tangible and textured by the real life contours of his subject’s worlds.
Hector studied art history at UCL before assisting an artist/filmmaker, where he first became involved in making films. Years of friendships and studio shares with a number of talented artists and filmmakers in London has continued to impact his experimental approach to filmmaking. Hector has directed music videos, commercials and creative content for the likes of Converse, Birkenstock, Under Armour, Kappa, NTS, Boiler Room and Petite Noir. As well as working on creative direction for a number of editorial platforms and fashion labels.
