Michael Francis Williams
- Director
- Writer
Michael Francis Williams is a filmmaker whose narrative work focuses on powerful character explorations, arresting visuals and showcasing marginalized voices. He made his TV directing debut with the Peabody-winning David Makes Man, created by Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Michael B. Jordan. His 90-minute pilot episode premiered to rave reviews at SXSW, and was named by Hollywood Reporter and The New York Times as one of the best TV episodes of 2019.
After developing one of the largest animated musical films set in Africa for Netflix, Michael recently worked with Melina Matsoukas to direct on Apple's new drama series, The Changeling, starring Lakeith Stanfield. Hollywood Reporter hailed his episode as "unquestionably one of the most audacious hours of TV you'll see this year."
In addition to his film and TV work, Michael has written and directed celebrated shorts inspired by his perspective as a British Black queer artist, including Mila for NOWNESS' Black Star series, Stay Woke, an experimental, editorial film for AFROPUNK, and Armour, his upcoming collaboration with UK DJ Krust. He is also a prolific commercial director, who has worked with top brands like Nike, Amazon and Adidas.
After developing one of the largest animated musical films set in Africa for Netflix, Michael recently worked with Melina Matsoukas to direct on Apple's new drama series, The Changeling, starring Lakeith Stanfield. Hollywood Reporter hailed his episode as "unquestionably one of the most audacious hours of TV you'll see this year."
In addition to his film and TV work, Michael has written and directed celebrated shorts inspired by his perspective as a British Black queer artist, including Mila for NOWNESS' Black Star series, Stay Woke, an experimental, editorial film for AFROPUNK, and Armour, his upcoming collaboration with UK DJ Krust. He is also a prolific commercial director, who has worked with top brands like Nike, Amazon and Adidas.
