James Kicklighter
Directing
Biography
Los Angeles-based filmmaker James Kicklighter spent the first 18 years of his life in Bellville, GA, population 123. After the unexpected death of his father at age 12, James has spent his career telling stories about loss and identity, directing and producing films since 2006. Recent work includes two documentary features, The American Question, rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, exploring the erosion of trust in America over 8 years, and The Sound of Identity, rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, following Lucia Lucas, following the first Trans opera singer to have a leading role on the American stage. Working between narrative films, documentaries and advertising, James brings creative tools from each of these disciplines to approach new material. He is an active member of the Director’s Branch of the Television Academy.
Known For
The plot follows a tortured FBI agent suffering from an irrational fear of darkness, as he investigates a mysterious former prostitute in order to catch a vicious serial killer.
A Dark Foe
In the midst of a publishing revolution, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, one of America's most storied institutions of journalism, is experimenting with new tools to tell stories in preparation for the end of print in the digital era.
Digital Edition
Over the course of one afternoon, in six different parts of Los Angeles, six couples connect, reconnect, or fall apart. Marked by nimble shifts in tone (the six stories range from romping farce to emotionally gutting drama) and a potent combination of innovative cinematic storytelling and evergreen themes of the difficulties and ultimate resiliency of love in all its many forms.
Six L.A. Love Stories
An 8-year journey into divided America, The American Question examines the insidious roots of polarization and distrust through past the past and present, revealing how communities can restore trust in each other to unite our country.
The American Question
An empathetic stripper plays therapist to the many damaged clientele and co-workers who frequent the popular Anywhere Bar.
Angel of Anywhere
From acclaimed novelist Jim St. Germain (A Stone of Hope), a modern-day exploration of skin color and gender and how they affect one's ability to participate in relationships and society.
Every 9 Hours
In the spotlight of global media coverage, the first transgender woman ever to perform as Don Giovanni in a professional opera, makes her historic debut in one of the reddest states in the U.S.
The Sound of Identity
An elderly woman (Edith Ivey) visits the local car wash and lube to connect with the world closing in around her.
The Car Wash
A psychiatrist from India practicing in Savannah, Georgia when he meets Madeline, a local artist with a mysterious past. While their relationship begins to blossom in America, Kris is summoned home by his brother to marry the woman chosen by his parents. But as he begins to make decisions about his future, he discovers centuries old secrets that may seal the fate of his destiny
Desires of the Heart
A socially conscious monster movie in which zombies symbolize society's disadvantaged and oppressed.