Fearless Leader & Film Director, Producer, and Writer is Making Movie Magic

1. Unsung Shero Award- Kimberly
Conner!
Fearless Leader & Film Director, Producer, and
Writer Is Making Movie Magic!

3. Kimberly Conner and Jensen Atwood on the set of Before “I Do”
Kimberly is looking into the lens, laser focus on a scene, and
instructing lead Actors Omar Gooding and Jensen Atwood in her
recent movie, Before “I Do.” She is running the show and making
significant moves in the film industry, as a director, producer,
screen writer, and she is indeed a fearless leader. A philanthropist
who gives of her time, energy, and using her films to create
awareness about A.I.D.S and Breast Cancer. Her company,
Predestined Entertainment has three movies under its belt, This
Life Ain’t Pretty, Jump In, and her most recent film, Before “I do”.
I had the pleasure of watching her breathe life into her latest
movie via social media. All of the hard work, the labor of love, and
creating her third film. As of now her movie, Before “I Do” is
selling out Premieres in Illinois, Atlanta, and Boston. The media

4. and film industry is taking notice and has added her on the list as
one of the movie directors to watch out for.
She is resilient in her journey and not afraid to step out of her
comfort zone to go above and beyond while tackling issues related
to every day life, relationships, and the struggles we face on a daily
basics.

5. I asked her a few questions about her career, and one thing for
sure she is a woman on fire.
1. One word to describe Kimberly Conner? Driven.
2. What was the inspiration behind This life ain’t pretty,
Jump In , and Before I do?”
“This Life Ain’t Pretty” places HIV/AIDS in young, Black,
heterosexual America under the microscope, based on a touching
true story, with the goal of raising awareness. “Jump In” is a story
about love and forgiveness, but it also raises awareness about
Breast Cancer, which I feel is important. Before ‘I Do’ is a story
about passion, discovering what that is, and finding the courage to
pursue it.

6. This Life Ain’t Pretty!
3. What are some of the challenges you face as a female
film director?
One of the greatest challenges facing most independent
Filmmakers is financing. As a female Director, I’m challenged
more than my male counterparts. The film industry is
predominantly made up of white males. As a woman of color, I
have to work much harder, for the same opportunities.
4. Besides being a director you are also an author and
Poet tell us a little about your first book Naked Poetics
and the mission behind writing it?
My sister and I decided to turn our collection of poems into a
book. Spanning a period of seven years, we chose to self-publish in
an effort to maintain our creative control. Naked Poetics, Poetry
and Expression is very candid in nature and we did that with the
intention of generating dialog about the topics that we take on in
the book.

7. Second Movie Release
5. Where do you see Predestined Arts and Entertainment
in five years?
In the next 5 years, I see my company flourishing as a mainstream
production house, producing big budget films of all genres.
6. What was your “aha moment” in making each of your
films?
With each film comes a myriad of lessons. I take those lessons and
apply them to the next film, things that I could improve upon, or
do better.

8. Crew of Before “I Do”
Kimberly’s Bio
An honors graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Kimberly D.
Conner is a self-published author, and independent filmmaker.
She has placed as finalist in several screenwriting competitions
including the Hollywood Black Film Festival Storyteller
Competition, the Urban Media Makers Short Film Competition in
Atlanta, and the University of Southern California, Guy A. Hanks
and Marvin H. Miller Screenwriting Program. She was a semi-

9. finalist in Creative Screenwriting Magazine’s AAA Screenwriting
Competition.
Kimberly launched Predestined Arts & Entertainment in 2005. A
company that cultivates artistic endeavors, it serves as a creative
voice for people of color. The company develops independent
projects and other creative works, the goal, to encourage and
enlighten, while generating dialog about key issues and raising
awareness in our communities, through the arts.
The book, “Naked Poetics — Poetry, Expression and Illustrations”,
takes a thought-provoking look at life through the eyes of two
sisters, written by Kimberly and her sister, and co-author,
Candice, released in 2006. Candid in nature, the book tackles
topics relative to life through the art of expression. The book
delves into deep topics, “politically incorrect”, it takes on
controversial, societal matters, both stimulating and entertaining
to readers.
In 2007, Predestined Arts & Entertainment produced Real
Brothers Wear Pink, a Male Calendar honoring breast cancer
survivors, an effort to raise awareness about the disease. The
calendar featured 12 Brothers from the Midwest. A portion of the
proceeds were donated, to fight breast cancer.
Her debut film, which she wrote, directed, and produced, “This
Life Ain’t Pretty” premiered in 2009, on World AIDS Day, at the
University of Illinois at Springfield. The socially conscious short
film challenges the stereotypical beliefs associated with HIV/AIDS
in young, Black, heterosexual America. Backed by sobering
statistics, the film is based on a true story. The film was named
Top 5 Best Short Film of the Year in 2009.

10. In 2013, Kimberly completed her next film, a feature, titled, “Jump
In”. The film will be released nationwide on DVD in 2015,
available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Flixster, Vudu, and
Family Video. In the film, lead, Troy Alexander, returns to her
roots armed with an air tight plan to pass the Bar exam. The family
is complete again, but not perfect, not by a long shot. Blindsided
by the unthinkable, family ties are pushed to the limits and
astounding revelations unfold. “Jump In” is a romantic comedy-
drama about taking risks in life and love, forgiveness, and destiny.
The film, “Before ‘I Do’”, is now available and in select theaters. A
story about a firefighter on a path to define his passion when he
finds love.
Kim is a two-time breast cancer survivor, an advocate and
spokesperson. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society.
Kim is a staff writer with Capital City Courier Newspaper. She is a
proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.
You can follow Kimberly Conner on Social Media:
http://www.predestinedartsandentertainment.com/
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