(Washington, DC) – Welcome 202Creates Month, where creativity and innovation collide! Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) are pleased to recognize KIYOKA “KEX” RHODES as the September 2023 Filmmaker of the Month.
Emmy nominee and award-winning filmmaker Kiyoka "Kex" Rhodes is a writer, producer, and director of films, commercials, and branded content for multi-screen platforms. She attended American University's School of Communication in Washington, D.C., earning a bachelor’s degree in Film & Media Arts with a minor in Graphic Design. Her television producing and directing credits have been with networks such as The CW Network (DCW50), Comcast, BBC Studios, and online with 60 Second Docs. In 2019, Rhodes received a Capital Emmy nomination for a suicide/substance abuse prevention PSA campaign titled, "BTheOne." Celebrities such as Denzel Washington, Mandy Moore, Don Cheadle, Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga and more have also been featured in her work.
“Your dedication to your craft and ability to captivate audiences through your films is truly inspiring. Keep shining your creative light and pushing boundaries in the world of filmmaking. You are a testament to the incredible talent that DC has to offer,” says Director LaToya Foster.
Rhodes also has a background in public relations. At the American Bar Association, she issued press releases, produced videos, and photographed important personnel at ABA events such as a Supreme Court Justice and congressmen at the United States Capitol.
Apart from television and branded content, Rhodes is a passionate filmmaker and storyteller. Her directorial narrative work includes a short film "Donut Give Up!" a 2021 Official Selection at the Oscar-qualifying film festival HollyShorts Monthly Screenings as well as DC Black Film Festival and Awesome Con. Her short film, "Xosphere" won at the Rosebud Film Festival 2017. After receiving several awards and recognition, her domestic violence awareness short film, "Tunnel Vision" ended its festival run at the 2017 Global Impact Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Rhodes’ upcoming short film, “Desolate Dreams” was selected as a semi-finalist and among the Top 50 of Cinequest Screenwriting Competition 2022-2023 via Coverfly. Her recent short documentary, “Station 8: A Trip Down Memory Lane” will premiere at the 2023 Richmond International Film Festival.
Rhodes is the Founder and Creative Director of Kex Studios—a full-service production company specializing in film & video, branded content, and graphic design. Her client branded short film, “The Ransomware Attack”, was awarded two 2023 Telly Awards for Directing and Branding. While in the development of her first feature film and fundraising her upcoming short film, "Desolate Dreams", which touches on Japanese American incarceration and Black and Asian allyship, Rhodes aims to continue using the art of film to tell stories with purpose and impact. #keepitmoving
“It's truly an honor to be recognized as OCTFME's Filmmaker of the Month. There is a lot of talent here in the DMV, and I'm grateful to be a part of its creative community,” says Kex.
Film Credits:
Director/Producer: “Station 8: A Trip Down Memory Lane” (2023)
Director/Producer: “4U by Tia” Spec (2023)
Director/Producer: “Topo Chico” Spec (2023)
Director/Producer: Telly-winning “The Ransomware Attack” (2022)
Producer: “Gaslight 2022” (2022)
Producer: “The Forgettable Life of Liam White” (2021)
Writer/Director/Producer: “Desolate Dreams” (Fundraising)
Writer/Director/Producer: “Donut Give Up!” (2021)
Consultant Producer: “Daze” (2021)
Co-Producer: “The Zeke Sanders Story” (2021)
Director: “A Life in Ten Pictures” (BBC Studios) Episode 3: Tupac Shakur (2021)
Director: “Bellen’s More Than Peach” (60 Second Docs) Episode (2021)
Writer/Director/Producer: Emmy nominated “BTheOne” PSA Campaign (2019)
Producer: “NewsPlus with Mark Segraves” TV Series 2016-2018
Writer/Director/Producer: “Xosphere” (2016)
Writer/Director/Producer: “Tunnel Vision” (2015)
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KIYOKA "KEX" RHODES DC RADIO INTERVIEW
Want to learn more about Kiyoka "Kex" Rhodes and her work? Click HERE to listen to her DC Radio interview.
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The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
- The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
- DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
- District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com).
- The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (DC Rebate Fund).
- Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
For more on OCTFME: (202) 671-0066 or www.entertainment.dc.gov. Follow OCTFME on Facebook.com/entertaindc, Instagram.com/entertain_dc, Twitter.com/entertain_dc and TikTok/entertain_dc.
