Debra is an independent documentary filmmaker whose passion is music and storytelling. Debra produced the widely acclaimed documentary film “Beats, Rhymes, and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest” (BRL) , with actor/director Michael Rapaport. An official selection at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, Beats Rhymes and Life was acquired for nationwide theatrical distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. Hailed by critics for its raw approach and compelling story, BRL won several festival audience awards, the prestigious 2012 Producers Guild Award, and a 2012 Grammy nomination.

Debra’s expertise ranges from story development, writing and producing to shooting and editing. Debra is also an arts educator with over two decades of experience, and the founder of Conscious Youth Media Crew, a nonprofit youth leadership program specializing in 21st century digital filmmaking. Her vast network of resources and relationships help provide avenues for community building and empowerment through film, music, and culture. She is currently directing her first feature length documentary film about The Story of Zulu Nation.