M. Denise Simmons

M. Denise Simmons is an award-winning, Haitian-American, filmmaker and the female powerhouse behind MD Simmons Productions, a forward-thinking production company based in Broward County. With more than 15 years of experience, her and her team work relentlessly to educate, entertain and transform viewers. Her projects include “Agape” which was inspired by the hit movie, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Mirrors” a PSA for the #MeToo movement and the recent winner of Best Documentary Feature Film in the Urban Film Festival, “#BeforeYouShoot.”

Recently recognized as one of South Florida’s “Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry,” and recipient of “The Legacy Builder Award 2021,” M. Denise Simmons is a changemaker who is determined to revolutionize her community and the entertainment industry.  She is a proud board member of Film Florida, a non-profit marketing and legislative support association for the entertainment industry and a member of Women In Film & TV Florida (WIFT-FL).  

Her current projects include, “Unseen: Behind The Lens” a short film series highlighting the lack of diversity, both on and off screen with a focus on BIPOC filmmakers right here in South Florida.  In addition to producing and directing these short films, “Unseen: Behind The Lens” will give educational and mentorship opportunities to diverse filmmakers. A teacher at heart, Denise can also be found instructing courses on the business of filmmaking.