A storyteller with unpopular opinions and a provocative imagination.
"My stories could inspire other stories, and all those stories combined could remake the world."
-rebecca walker
About me
I believe in the alchemy of storytelling.
Nakia Stephens is an award-winning screenwriter and independent filmmaker who is devoted to telling authentic and purposeful stories that disrupt outdated and ill-informed narratives. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Nakia has always been influenced by Black culture and southern flair, which, coupled with studying creative writing in places like Shanghai, Beijing, and Ghana, helped to cultivate her passion for human connection through storytelling.
As the Founder and Chief of Creative of the first ever screenwriting label, Damn Write Originals, Nakia is known for crafting character-driven narratives that effortlessly blend elements of heartache, humor, and controversy all while naturally amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, especially Black Women and Girls.
Nakia has had over 40 of her screenplays produced to screen including her most notable projects: Della Mae, Novella, and The Psychological Evolution of F*boys.
Nakia has been featured and recognized for her work by festivals and platforms such as Forbes, Deadline, BLAVITY, ABFF, and Black Girls Rock! Under her development deal with Earvin "Magic" Johnson's cable network, AspireTV, Nakia has penned and executive produced numerous short form projects. A few of which have earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination and two Telly Awards. After serving as head writer for Season 2 of the PBS digital show, 'Say It Loud' , Nakia went on to be the Showrunner for numerous hit digital series' under her Multi-Project development deal with Keke Palmer's new platform, KeyTV network .
Nakia is currently based in Los Angeles, CA where she can be found binge-watching her favorite shows, building community with local creatives and developing fresh new narratives with Damn Write Originals. Nakia believes in the alchemy of storytelling and always creates art with a purpose greater than herself.