(Washington, DC) – The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) proudly recognizes Remon Henes as the October 2026 Filmmaker of the Month. Henes is an Egyptian American filmmaker, creative producer, visual storyteller, and graduate of the 202Creates Residency Program. He has spent more than 18 years working in documentary film, commercial production, journalism, and human-centered storytelling. His work highlights the people and neighborhoods that make Washington, DC vibrant and culturally rich.
“Remon Henes represents the heart of Washington, DC’s creative community,” said OCTFME Director and DC Film Commissioner LaToya Foster. “His work uplifts the people and stories that define our city. We are proud to honor him as our October Filmmaker of the Month.”
Henes is the founder and Creative Producer of Dot Lemon, a Washington, DC production company that specializes in documentary filmmaking, branded storytelling, animation, post‑production, and bilingual English‑Arabic content. Dot Lemon has produced work for Georgetown University, Events DC, the World Bank, YWCA NYC, education organizations, and many mission-driven institutions in the United States and abroad.
In 2022, Henes launched DC Zesty Story, an independent storytelling platform that showcases the human and creative identity of Washington, DC. The platform highlights artists, educators, entrepreneurs, neighborhood leaders, and everyday residents through short documentaries, interviews, portraits, live conversations, and community-focused events.
Henes sees filmmaking as both an artistic pursuit and a civic responsibility. He began his craft in Egypt, where he worked in journalism, documentary interviewing, and editing. Those early experiences shaped his belief in storytelling rooted in honesty and respect. After moving to Washington, DC, he continued to refine his approach through collaborations with institutions, grassroots organizations, and creative communities across the region.
“It is easy to say ‘I wish DC had more of this,’” Henes said. “We also have the power to create it ourselves. That is why I started DC Zesty Story. I wanted to give something back to DC and create a platform for the human and creative side of the city. When you invest in your community, the community responds. This recognition means a lot because it celebrates not only filmmaking but the community we are building together. Small acts of consistency and kindness can reach farther than we expect.”
Henes has received multiple international awards, including several Telly Awards. He also mentors emerging filmmakers and journalists in Egypt and the United States. His storytelling style focuses on emotional depth, thoughtful observation, and the small details that reveal our shared humanity.
Dot Lemon and DC Zesty Story continue to grow under his direction. Upcoming projects include two new podcasts. Let’s Hang Out will explore culture and conversation. Whaaaaat will focus on AI learning, book discussions, and explainers. Dot Lemon is also developing a series of short documentaries with character-driven stories for public screenings and festival submissions.
Henes remains committed to one goal: showing Washingtonians as they truly are—diverse, creative, human, and extraordinary.
OCTFME is proud to celebrate local filmmakers who contribute to the District’s dynamic media landscape. Henes reflects the mission of the Filmmaker of the Month program, which honors visionary artists who choose Washington, DC as their creative home.
Connect with Remon Henes on Instagram (@remonhenes | @dczestystory | @dotlemonfilms) and at www.dotlemon.com and www.remonhenes.com.
###
About FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH
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.
***If you know of a filmmaker that would make a great future “Filmmaker of the Month,” please send OCTFME recommendations using this nomination form.
About OCTFME
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 (D.C.C), the District of Columbia Network (D.C.N), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN)
- D.C. Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
- District of Columbia Entertainment Network (D.C.E), 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 D.C.E Network App or at D.C.ENetwork.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 D.C. Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (D.C. 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.
Social Media:
