Jessie Maple

Jessie Maple (1937-2023) was a pioneering filmmaker, writer, producer, editor and cinematographer. She was one of the first Black women to direct a narrative feature length film and was the first Black woman to join the International Photographers of Motion Picture & Television union. Her debut, Will (1981) marks the film debut of the award-winning actress Loretta Devine and follows a basketball coach in Harlem as he struggles with drug addiction. Twice As Nice, which follows women basketball players as they gear up for a draft in the “MBA” , was made a full 9 years before the WNBA was created in 1997. She also established a long-running venue for independent Black filmmakers in her home in Harlem.

Films


Twice As Nice

Not currently available to stream
(1989)

Twin college women’s basketball players compete to go pro in this rarely-seen gem scripted by S. Pearl Sharp.

Will

Not currently available to stream
(1981)

Written, produced, and directed by Jessie Maple, Will depicts a man, Will (Obaka Adedunyo), a former All-American basketball player, trying to kick his drug habit.