Simone Kirlew is a first-generation Jamaican-American producer from Prince George’s County, Maryland, dedicated to telling stories that amplify diverse voices and center women of color in powerful roles. A graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory’s Producing MFA Program, Simone produced ten narrative films during her time there.
Her work spans features, television, and independent projects. She co-produced the feature All That Glisters, directed by Trilby Glover, and is currently producing the upcoming film Purgatory, directed by Lindsay Lanzillatto and starring Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons, Abby Elliott, and John Reynolds. Simone also produced the independent series The Comic Shop, with Season 1 currently airing on YouTube. In addition, she served as the producing mentor for the Youth Cinema Project Alumni film, where she was integral to expanding the scale of the project and supporting the program’s growth.
She was recognized as an Ignite Caribbean 30 Under 30 Changemaker in 2024 for her contributions to filmmaking and storytelling. Her career began with an internship in Montreal, followed by work in Kingston, Jamaica, as an Assistant Production Coordinator on projects for Hulu and BBC. Most recently, she worked as a Production Coordinator at ColorCreative Productions, where she played a key role in launching the Find Your People Program and supporting the company’s expansion into a full-scale production services company.
Passionate about crafting narratives that explore the ordinary and extraordinary experiences of Black life, Simone believes in the power of storytelling to challenge perceptions and inspire change. When she’s not producing, she enjoys unwinding with a good bottle of wine and great company.
