By Milton Kirby | Truth Seekers Journal | Artist Profiles Series
For Lisa Maydwell, the path to filmmaking did not begin behind a camera. It began in a classroom. She found her gift by teaching others to find theirs.
“It wasn’t until teaching others the craft of writing that I discovered my own gift,” Maydwell reflects—a realization that would eventually carry her from factory floors and elementary school classrooms to film festivals, sound stages, and movie theaters.
Today, Maydwell is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer based in Georgia, known for her emotionally grounded storytelling and her commitment to elevating authentic voices. But her journey to creative clarity was anything but linear.
A Late Start, A Deeper Calling
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Maydwell was supported early on by her biggest cheerleader—her mother, Alicia. For years, she worked factory jobs to help support her family, including her two daughters, Britney and Symone. Stability mattered. So did survival.
At 35, she enrolled at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education with the practical belief that teaching would allow her to work anywhere in the country. But the journey nearly ended before it began.
Her first writing class ended in an F.
“I was so disappointed in myself and was ready to quit,” she recalls.
A mentor, Dr. Lake, intervened—encouraging her to stay, to push through doubt, to trust growth over grades. That persistence paid off. Maydwell graduated with a degree in elementary education and went on to teach for 17 years in Indianapolis’ Decatur Township School District, eventually earning Teacher of the Year honors.
What she did not yet know was that her true classroom was still ahead.
The Story That Changed Everything
The turning point came unexpectedly, through an old classmate.
Reverend Gerald King approached Maydwell about creating a documentary or film centered on Robert W. Lee, the first president and co-founder of the International Boxing Federation. When the original author backed out, Maydwell was asked to step in and write Lee’s memoirs.
She said yes.
That project opened a door she hadn’t known she was knocking on—and once inside, she didn’t look back.
Her growing body of work includes The Final Round, which earned Best Documentary Feature honors at both the Gary International Black Film Festival and the Black Film Festival of New Orleans; Grandma’s Closet, which won the Diaspora Best Animation Award; and Broken Branches, recognized as Best Film at Summer Media Studio Lithuania in the European Union.
In 2023, she was named I AM Award Producer of the Year.
Each project carries Maydwell’s signature: emotionally precise storytelling rooted in character, consequence, and quiet truth.
Atlanta, Risk, and Reinvention
Frequent visits to family in Atlanta exposed Maydwell to a city transforming into a filmmaking mecca. Eventually, she made the leap—leaving behind a stable teaching career to pursue filmmaking full-time.
Then COVID-19 hit.
“I thought, ‘Oh Lord, I quit my job, the world is at a standstill, and I’m going to have to move in with my sister,’” she says.
Once again, persistence carried her forward. Maydwell sustained herself by writing screenplays and ghostwriting books for clients, refining her craft while the industry paused.
Atlanta did not simply offer opportunity—it demanded resilience. Maydwell met it head-on.
Stories with Purpose
Her upcoming film, My Brother’s Shadow, explores identity and self-discovery through the lives of twin brothers, Bryon and Tyron Mable, as they struggle to define themselves beyond expectation. The film is scheduled for theatrical release soon, marking another milestone in a career defined by late blooming and fearless reinvention.
At the core of Maydwell’s work is a philosophy shaped by her own path:
Everyone possesses a unique gift—a spark of potential waiting to be discovered and perfected.
That belief fuels not only her films, but her dedication to empowering local artists—creating space, opportunity, and visibility for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
A Reputation Earned on Set
Those who work with Maydwell speak less about ego and more about care.
“Her passion for characters, scenery, and props captivates the imagination and leaves you with a heartfelt message that is life-changing,” says voice talent Sherry Fincher.
Educator and entrepreneur Rita Kendall describes Maydwell as “a problem solver” with an instinct for designing creative environments that uplift everyone involved.
Actors echo the sentiment.
“I’m so grateful that Lisa gave me an opportunity to be the star of the show,” says Tawj Monroe, host of Cooking with Munchies. “Thank you for helping my dreams become reality.”
For Maydwell, those moments matter as much as awards.
What Comes Next
Now rooted in Georgia, Maydwell continues to build a career that bridges education, storytelling, and community uplift—proving that it’s never too late to find your voice, and never too risky to trust it once you do.
Her journey is a reminder that gifts do not always reveal themselves early—but when they do, they arrive with purpose.
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Lisa Maydwell in Her Own Words
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👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Soo proud of you Sis. Always the role model!!
Awesome journey as well as an awesome display of persistence! Your Grand children have an excellent example of fortitude and hardwork! We are all so very proud of you!
Your Son,
M.D. McCowan
You’re an amazing role model! Love this and you!
A beautiful glimpse into the awesome life that is yours Lisa. You have and will always be that amazing light that guides others through your purpose and storytelling.
Such a lovely piece!! It shows your heart and courage. This is what legends are made of.
Really proud of you Ms. Lisa, shoot for the STARS
Very inspiring!