Directing
Mike Sargent
Mike Sargent is a distinguished cultural critic, filmmaker, journalist, and broadcaster whose diverse body of work encompasses radio, television, film, and podcasts. He made a significant mark in the industry with his debut feature, *Personals* (also known as *Hook’d Up*), which starred Malik Yoba, Stacey Dash, and Rhonda Ross, and introduced comedian Jim Gaffigan. Praised by the Los Angeles Times as "both entertaining and provocative," the film premiered as the opening night selection at the Pan African Film Festival in 1999.
In 2023, Mike released *From The Shadows*, a supernatural sci-fi thriller featuring Keith David and Oscar® nominee Bruce Davison, which saw a theatrical release before streaming in 2024.
Between 2014 and 2016, he created, hosted, and co-produced over 60 episodes of *Arise On Screen*, the first nationally broadcast movie review show hosted by an African American. He co-founded and serves as co-president of the Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC) and is a founding member of the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), actively contributing to discussions on film culture and criticism.
Currently, Mike holds the position of Chief Film Critic at WBAI Radio's *ReelWorld* and hosts the popular late-night cultural program *Niteshift*. He co-hosts two podcasts, including the Webby™ and SIGNAL™ Gold Award-winning *Brown & Black* on the Sonoro Network. His insights have been featured on major platforms such as PBS NewsHour and Al Jazeera, showcasing his unique perspective as both a creator and a critic in the cultural landscape.
