Lamonia Brown

Lamonia Deanne Brown is a globally influential film executive, festival programmer, and content strategist shaping contemporary cinema. With experience across festivals, studios, and international networks, she bridges creative vision, strategy, and global collaboration, championing emerging voices—especially storytellers of color.

She created the Essence Film Festival, now among the most prestigious in the U.S. At HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, she helped build WarnerMedia 150, contributing to the Oscar-winning Drive My Car (2022). She collaborated with 22 filmmakers and managed sponsorships for 40+ identity-based festivals. She also held leadership roles at ABFF and NYWIFT. In 2025, she launched the Cultural Connections Film Festival in Washington DC.

A recognized authority in programming, Lamonia curates initiatives that elevate diverse voices, expand access to executive pathways, and foster international partnerships between filmmakers and global industry leaders.