The “Silent Killer” documentary short film directed, written and produced by Kalia Love Jones has caught the attention of the entertainment industry, filmmakers, and media.
“Silent Killer” explores the inadequate access to mental health resources for Black Men and the impact of police intervention. It highlights the pressing need for systemic change and its impact on affected families and communities.
“Silent Killer” is a new, documentary short film directed, written and produced by Kalia Love Jones. Kalia’s second film “Silent Killer” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award this 2025 year. The “Silent Killer” documentary short film received a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination in the Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film) category. It was screened at the Academy Award qualifying Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and the 2025 Pan African Film & Arts Festival.
Although she is a teenager, Kalia Love Jones is an award-winning director and producer who wants to inspire and to help create positive change in people’s lives. She is featured in national media and national TV including ABC TV, NBC TV, FOX TV, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CW TV, The Today Show, MSNBC, CBS TV and more. We caught up with Kalia Love Jones to discuss the “Silent Killer” documentary short film, her inspiring work, and much more.
What inspired you to direct, write and produce “Silent Killer?”
The inspiration behind “Silent Killer” stemmed from a deep personal concern about the often-overlooked dangers of police interactions with black men experiencing a mental health crisis.
Doing my research for “Silent Killer” made me realize the need to raise awareness through storytelling. I wanted to create a film that not only educates viewers but also empowers them to take proactive steps towards change.
Your documentary short film “Silent Killer” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. What are your thoughts on this?
Being nominated for an NAACP Image Award for “Silent Killer” is an incredible honor. It means that the story of the lack of mental health resources, faced by communities of color, is resonating with a wider audience. It’s a huge step towards raising awareness and creating change, and I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to share this narrative on such a prestigious stage.
What inspires you to make short films?
What truly inspires me to make short films is the ability to capture a fleeting moment, a complex emotion, or a unique perspective in a concise and impactful way. I love the challenge of crafting a compelling narrative within a short timeframe, using visuals and sound to evoke a strong reaction from the audience.
What advice would you give someone who is starting out in filmmaking?
If you’re just starting in filmmaking, the most important thing is to just start creating – pick up a camera, write a simple script, and make something, even if it’s short. Focus on learning the basics of storytelling, cinematography, and editing, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Will you be working on another documentary short film?
Absolutely! I’m actively looking for opportunities to develop another documentary short film, and I’m especially excited to explore different facets of filmmaking within the project to fully immerse myself in the storytelling process.
Thanks, Kalia Love Jones for sharing this with us and Divine Magazine wishes you all the best for your film.
Director, Writer, and Producer Kalia Love Jones is an 18-year-old ambitious filmmaker. She began her film journey at just 13 with the award winning animated short film “The Power of Hope.” At 14, Kalia became the youngest filmmaker ever nominated for an NAACP Image Award, youngest winner of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival and praised by First Lady Michele Obama on The Today Show. Kalia’s second film and first foray into documentary filmmaking, “Silent Killer” is a powerful documentary short that uncovers the inadequate access to mental health resources for Black men and the devastating outcomes that result from police intervention. The film shines a light on the pressing need for change and sheds light on the lives and families affected by this ongoing crisis. Kalia’s second film “Silent Killer” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film). Kalia Love Jones is featured in national media and national TV.
Follow Kalia Love Jones on Instagram: @KaliaLoveJones