Jamal Hodge is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, Bram Stoker & Elgin Award-nominated poet, and passionate educator whose work consistently explores emotional depth and cultural resonance. Born and shaped by the vibrant cultural mosaic of New York City, Jamal has dedicated his life to storytelling as a means of empowerment, healing, and social transformation.

His poetry collection, "The Dark Between the Twilight," earned a Bram Stoker nomination and debuted as Amazon’s #1 Hot New American Poetry Release. Jamal’s directorial accomplishments include the acclaimed television series "Primal Instinct" (Investigation Discovery), "Southern Storytellers" (PBS), and "The Table" (Black Oak TV), along with over 100 international film festival selections for his impactful short films like "Mourning Meal" and "Knockout Game."

Beyond his artistic creations, Jamal has spent over two decades mentoring young people, particularly those from underserved communities, through his innovative emotional literacy curriculum "Courage Through Poetry." His workshops fuse poetry, filmmaking, and personal reflection, enabling participants to reclaim their narratives and discover their unique voices.

In all his endeavors, Jamal embodies the transformative power of art, using his creative platform to amplify marginalized stories and nurture the next generation of storytellers.