Jerod Willis
Jerod Willis is a Detroit-based writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and founder of the independent media collective Mission. Films that Willis has directed and produced include J’taime Detroit (2020), Miracle Whip (2021), Sinners and Saint (2022), Griot (2023), In Pursuit (2023), Sweeter than Heaven (2023), Vastion (2023), and producer for 1/3 of the Story (2023).
Willis was awarded "Best Michigan Filmmaker" in 2021 in the Ann Arbor Film Festival, "Best Fantasy" in the 2023 48 Hour Film Fest, and a Freep Film Festival student finalist and various festival selections for Sinners and Saint (2021).
Jackson Meades
Jackson Meade is a Producer with Mission. A graduate of Wayne State's Film and Theatre programs, Jackson has worked in many different areas of film, with skills in sound, lighting, and behind the camera. He has worked in production for numerous projects outside of Mission including commercials for Ford, GM, and Cadillac. With skills in a variety of different areas of film, as well as acting, Jackson takes a holistic approach to producing, that ensures that every department gets the time and resources they need throughout the production. Currently, Jackson is working freelance in Event Production as a coordinator, working primarily on large-scale reveals and car display events for Ford Motor Company.
Kwame Henry
Kwame is a 22 year old cinematographer, colorist,
and camera assistant. Born on the outskirts of Detroit
to Jamaican parents, Kwame’s journey into filmmaking
didn’t begin until taking a news and broadcasting class
late in high school. After stints at multiple HBCUs,
Kwame transferred to his hometown Wayne State University
where he began to fully engross himself in the art of filmmaking.
Kwame developed his skills with multiple short films and student projects before beginning to
work on larger commercial sets as a camera assistant. This work experience allowed him to advance his craft even further, applying the lessons learned from set into his own cinematography and color grading. Kwame is passionate about the endless creative possibilities that cameras can provide, and he works bring his own passion and creative flair to every project.
Mesgana Berhane
Mesgana Berhane is a Detroit-based photographer, director, writer, and actress. She is currently in her third year at Wayne State University. Mesgana's photography, work has been featured in the Teen Self-Love Exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit as well as the art festival held by Mission Media, The Revival.
Mesgana Berhane draws inspiration from the lives around her and the stories of everyday people. She wants to depict humanity and human nature in her work. She released her directorial debut of "1/3 of The Story," (2023), that she wrote and edited as well.
Joshua Shelley
Joshua Shelley is an actor from The University of Michigan-Dearborn. Joshua worked with Emmy Award Winning Director, Timashion Jones, personally working on "HOPE 911"(2020) and "Sticks and Stones".(2021) Joshua joined Mission Films, initially as an Actor, leading in Sweeter Than Heaven(2023) and premiering in 1/3 of the Story(2023).
Joshua currently works with Mission Films, directed by Jerod Willis, to help produce films and videos, also providing graphics and video editing for the collective.
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THE CINEMATIC COALITION
The Cinematic Coalition hosted My Mission films founded by Jerod Willis. Along with the collective REINA and Caleb Joye Films at Cinema Detroit. The event took place on Black Friday 2021 and showcased films and musical artists from all collectives. It also was the home of the premiere of Sinner's and Saints written and directed by Jerod Willis.
EVENTS
The Revival: Arts, Music, and Film Festival, is a day full of authentic Detroit talent. The festival will feature the joint premieres of Mission films 1/3 of the Story by Mesgana Berhane and Sweeter than Heaven by Jerod Willis. The festival will also feature screenings of NILE: A Visual Embodiment of a Sonic Experience by Miles N. Reuben, The Letter by Jhayla Mosley, and a musical appearance by longtime Mission collaborator LITO. Throughout the festival artist, there will be an artist gallery featuring work from Habacuc S. Bessiake, Robyn Banks, Maru, Jimel Primm, Nate Sturley, and Torrence Jackson. The event was hel on November 18th at the Detroit Public Theater an truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.
