Kelley Kali is a native Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, with a focus in Archaeology, and a minor in Film and Classical Civilization from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Kelley was an NCAA Division 1 lacrosse team captain and scholar.
During her time at Howard University, Kelley was selected to conduct research at an ancient Mayan site in the Central American rainforest for two months. She spent most of her time daydreaming about filming her experiences, which led her to decide to pursue a career in cinema. Kelley then received the opportunity to work at National Geographic Television and Film, where she gained TV experience and directed the first Creole dramatic TV series in Belize, "Noh Matta Wat", for which she won the Paul Robeson Award.
Kelley joined the team of a PBS film, "Prince Among Slaves", under actor/director Bill Duke, and later worked at Entertainment Tonight in her hometown of Los Angeles. She then decided to focus on media for social change, specifically child trafficking issues in Haiti, and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts MFA in TV and Film Production.
Immediately after enrolling at USC, Kelley was nominated and elected president of the School of Cinematic Arts Graduate Council for three consecutive years. She has won numerous scholarships for her writing and directing, including the Jack Oakie Comedy Fellow, the Johnny Carson Scholarship, and the prestigious Annenberg Fellowship.
Kelley co-directed a James Franco-produced feature film, "The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer", and directed, produced, and co-wrote a short film, "Lalo's House", inspired by true events of child trafficking in Haiti. "Lalo's House" is executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais and Lisa L. Wilson and was filmed on location in Haiti and Los Angeles. Kelley has produced and directed award-winning films in Belize, Haiti, China, and locally in the USA.
Her film, "Lalo's House", won the Programmers' Award at the Oscar-qualifying Pan African Film Festival, Best Short Film prizes at the Bahamas International Film Festival, CineOdyssey Film Festival, the Haiti International Film Festival, the Black Harvest Film Festival, and Best Director at the African World Film Festival. Kelley has also won the 24th DGA Student Film Award and a Student Academy Award at the 45th Student Academy Awards.
Kelley's ultimate goal is to be known as a director and content creator who addresses issues within often marginalized communities by using the art of filmmaking to create dialogue and action towards positive change.
