James Kicklighter
Telling stories about loss and identity, directing and producing films since 2006. Recent work includes The American Question (100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and The Sound of Identity (91% fresh).
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The Hollywood Reporter
Politico
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Los Angeles Times
QueertyAn artist with compassionate and intelligent vision, both disciplined and inquisitive, the hallmarks of a instinctual and intuitive director.
As a longtime fan of James Kicklighter's work, I've become accustomed to the quality independent motion pictures he creates seemingly regardless of type or genre.
Kicklighter does an incredible job assembling the footage and staying on track to get his point across.
Director's Reel
Direction across formats
Documentary, narrative, and commercial work from a Los Angeles director represented by UTA and Rain.
Selected Work
About Me
I grew up in Bellville, Georgia, population 123. When I was 12, my dad died unexpectedly, and ever since, I’ve been drawn to stories about loss and identity. I’ve been directing and producing films since 2006.
I work across narrative films, documentaries, and advertising, and I like pulling creative tools from each discipline when I approach something new. My recent work includes two documentary features: The American Question, which looks at the erosion of trust in America over eight years and landed at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and The Sound of Identity, which follows Lucia Lucas, the first trans opera singer to perform a leading role on an American stage. That one sits at 91%.
I’m an active member of the Directors Branch of the Television Academy. I live in Los Angeles, and I still can’t quite believe I get to do this work across the country and around the world.