Kendria R. Williams is a multi-talented filmmaker, actress, writer, director, and producer who has built her career around the power of storytelling. Best known for her gripping thriller Deadly Obsession, which quickly gained traction across major streaming platforms, Kendria uses her gift of storytelling to spotlight overlooked issues, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire audiences to reflect on their choices. From socially conscious short films to psychological thrillers, her work always carries a message, demonstrating her belief that storytelling has the power to educate, empower, and transform.
In this exclusive Q&A, Kendria opens up about her creative process, the challenges of wearing multiple hats in the industry, and how she continues to make bold choices through her art of storytelling.
Fancy: Deadly Obsession has received impressive attention across major streaming platforms. What inspired the story, and what message do you hope audiences take away from it?
Kendria: I enjoy psychological thrillers, so I always knew I wanted to write something in that genre. I chose the topic of infidelity because, in the moment, so many times we don’t think about the “what ifs” of our choices, from the things we post on social media to stepping outside of our relationships, so hopefully this movie will make you rethink those things. Everything I write has a message, so what I hope people will take away from Deadly Obsession is that communication on both parts is key, and no matter how bad a situation gets, walk away before you cheat because cheating always makes the situation worse.
Fancy: You wear many hats—filmmaker, actress, writer, director, and producer. How do you balance these roles, and which one challenges you the most creatively?
Kendria: I balance those roles by not taking on too many projects at once. I learned the hard way, so now I make sure to pace myself. The role that challenges me the most creatively is being a director. I’m still learning and growing in that area with every production that I direct. You have to be able to set the scene up and convey what you need from an actor and the emotion you need them to give to make the scene believable. It’s not always as easy as it sounds.
Fancy: Your work often explores overlooked themes in storytelling. Can you share an example of a theme you’re passionate about bringing to light, and why it’s important to you?
Kendria: I have two award-winning short films, one on domestic violence called One Last Chance, and one on breast cancer called A Simple Request. These particular themes are important to me because I’ve lost quite a few people to cancer, and I know people who have lost loved ones to domestic violence. I feel like these issues are overlooked in the African American community until it’s too late. So, I like using my platform as a filmmaker to bring awareness to these issues and educate and provide resources.
Fancy: Travel seems to be a source of inspiration for you. How have your journeys and exposure to different cultures influenced your filmmaking style?
Kendria: I love traveling, and I’m easily inspired creatively through my travel experiences. My travel experiences have influenced my filmmaking style because I’m visually inspired by the different places I’ve been, both nationally and internationally, and I have cultural exposure that allows me to diversify my storytelling.
Fancy: You’ve shared advice about never being afraid to go after what you want. Can you recall a moment in your career where taking that leap made all the difference?
Kendria: A moment in my career where I took a leap and went after what I wanted was when I went into production with my first feature film, Deadly Obsession. I didn’t have all the resources that I needed, but I still took a leap of faith. I started the production on a hope and a prayer, and God provided the rest. Within the first 30 days of streaming, Deadly Obsession far exceeded my expectations, garnering 3 million impressions in that time frame. Would I take a leap of faith again? Yes, but I would be a little more prepared.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Kendria R. Williams unique?
Kendria: My Swagher is described as unapologetically confident and self-assured. I’m not afraid to stand on something I believe in, even if that means standing alone.
What makes me unique is that through my storytelling, I make bold choices and tackle difficult stories. I educate, inspire, and add a little humor to my films. Everything I write, from comedy to romance to horror, has several messages in it, and I hope that the audience will pick up on at least one and apply it to a future situation for the better.
Connect with Kendria:
IG: @jmadisonproductions
Facebook: JMadisonProductions and Kendria R. Williams
