Avan Hardwell

Avan Hardwell, an Inglewood native and filmmaker, is dedicated to integrating Black and Brown characters into narratives where they have traditionally been excluded. Inspired by his mother, who earned a degree in Africana Studies at 67, Avan learned to dream big. As a devoted husband and father of three, Avan has channeled his ambition into a thriving career. A scholarship recipient of the Magic Johnson Taylor Michaels Scholarship Foundation, he was mentored by Magic Johnson himself, leading him from writing speeches to studying screenwriting at California State University Northridge, where he graduated in 2015. Since then, Avan has devoted his life to amplifying underrepresented voices in film. He has penned multiple stage plays and the short film The Night They Came, which he wrote, directed, and produced, now available on Amazon. His work explores complex themes of race, identity, and belonging. His latest film, Silent Prey, tackles fear and trauma, promoting empathy and acceptance in marginalized communities.