From Stage to Screen: Kira Powell’s Afro-Latina Storytelling Revolution
At the intersection of memory, identity, and truth stands Kira Powell—an award-winning writer-director and actor whose work resonates because it is lived, felt, and deeply personal. Of African American and Ecuadorian descent, Powell has emerged as one of the most compelling Afro-Latina voices in contemporary independent cinema. Her stories explore themes of belonging, heritage, and the emotional complexities of growing up between worlds.
Early Life and the Seeds of Storytelling
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Powell spent her formative years navigating questions of identity long before she had the language to articulate them. At 18, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, for college—a shift that broadened her worldview and planted the seeds for her future as a storyteller.
Her journey continued west to Los Angeles, where she earned her MFA in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory. Powell describes the program as a creative “pressure cooker” that sharpened her instincts and gave her the confidence to embrace filmmaking.
“I came in as an actor,” Powell recalls, “but not as a director. That program was intense, but by the time I came out, I truly believed in my ability. Without that training, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
The Birth of BEST EYES
Powell’s acclaimed short film, BEST EYES, is a deeply intimate coming-of-age story rooted in her own lived experiences. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the film, Powell shares:
“It definitely was a lived experience. Growing up, looking back at your childhood, trying to understand your parents’ decisions, and digging deeper into who you are—especially during the COVID era. My mom and I started talking about our past, the neighborhood we lived in, how it affected both of us. That led me to start writing my own stories about being biracial.”
Her storytelling journey began onstage with a one-woman show examining her identity—a vulnerable and healing process. This solo performance eventually evolved into BEST EYES, where Powell translated her personal truth into cinematic language.
Critical Acclaim and Emotional Impact
BEST EYES premiered at the Academy Award®–qualifying Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and screened at major festivals worldwide, including Urbanworld and the Micheaux Film Festival. The film earned the 2024 DGA Student Jury Award and first place in the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition presented by AAFCA and LEJA. Most notably, it received a nomination for Outstanding Short Form (Live Action) at the NAACP Image Awards.
For Powell, the recognition carried profound emotional weight.
“I lost my dad in 2016, and that brought me back to my roots. Then, two weeks after I started filming BEST EYES, my mom passed away unexpectedly. This film is my expression, my identity, my truth. I didn’t try to make anything flashy—I just told the truth. And people are listening. It’s like a capsule for my family.”
Audiences have connected deeply with the film’s themes.
“No matter who you are, there’s something to identify with—being in between, experiencing racism, or the mother-daughter relationship. People always come up to me and say they saw themselves in something.”
Representation and Responsibility
Powell’s work highlights the importance of Afro-Latino visibility in film.
“It’s a unique experience being Black and Latina. Now that I’ve told my story, more Afro-Latinas are stepping forward. We all have different stories, and this helps open doors for others to tell theirs.”
Her award-winning solo show, Caught in the Mix, further cemented her voice as a fearless storyteller. Performed to sold-out audiences in Los Angeles, the live production offered a raw, spiritual exchange between artist and audience.
“Theater is intense. Doing a one-woman show was putting everything on the line. But there’s nothing like being in a room with people, feeling that shared energy. Film still scares me, but there’s a barrier—it’s not as immediate.”
Expanding the World of BEST EYES
Powell is now developing BEST EYES into a feature-length film, allowing her to dive deeper into the protagonist Olivia’s coming-of-age journey.
“I want to bring more depth to every character. The neighborhood, the upbringing—everything goes deeper.”
She’s also working on a psychological horror project inspired by her mother’s immigration journey from Ecuador.
“I’m really drawn to psychological tension. That story comes directly from my mom’s experience and what she went through coming to the U.S.”
Legacy and Looking Ahead
When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Powell doesn’t hesitate.
“Getting through AFI—and putting BEST EYES out there.”
As for her legacy, she reflects with a smile:
“I don’t really want people to know who I am. But if they do, I hope they see me as thoughtful, reflective, genuine, and caring—someone who loved her friends and her family.”
#AfroLatinaVoices #BESTEYESFilm #IndependentCinema
