Production company Serial Pictures has announced the signing of filmmaker Merawi Gerima for commercial, branded entertainment, and music video representation. Gerima, who was born and raised in Washington, DC, is known for his authentic storytelling and focus on important social issues. His work has been described as visually striking and evocative.
Gerima recently released his first commercial, “Certified Lover Boy,” for Drake’s NOCTA X Nike line, which celebrates the launch of the label’s custom AF1 in honor of Drake’s favorite childhood book, “Love You Forever.”
Gerima is excited to join the team at Serial Pictures, stating, “Serial’s boutique, handcrafted, story-driven approach felt kindred from the outset. I’m proud to be working alongside some of the best producers and directors in the game.”
Gerima’s feature film debut, “RESIDUE,” was a personal project that was shot in his childhood neighborhood in Washington, DC. The film, which Gerima wrote and directed, follows an aspiring filmmaker returning to a neighborhood that has been transformed beyond recognition. “RESIDUE” was well-received at the 2020 Slamdance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature and the Acting Award for star Obinna Nwachukwu. The film also received special mention at the 77th Venice International Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori and won the John Cassavettes Award at the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards. It was later acquired by Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY and is now streaming on Netflix.
In addition to his work in film, Gerima has also directed television episodes for The CW’s “NAOMI” and OWN Network’s “CHERISH THE DAY,” both produced by DuVernay. He is currently in post-production on his first music video. Gerima comes from a film-centric background, having grown up on film sets and in editing rooms with his filmmaker parents, Shirikiana Aina and Haile Gerima, both members of the LA Rebellion film movement. The family supports each other’s films and provides support for other independent filmmakers through their non-profit film company, Positive Productions Inc.
