Joslyn Rose director signs with new representation
Joslyn Rose has secured new representation over the summer. The move coincides with several projects in development for film and television and positions the director for a new career phase built on an expanding slate of work.
Her feature-length studio directorial debut, Stand, was released through Showtime and Paramount+. The documentary centers on NBA prodigy and activist Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, tracing his basketball career, personal convictions, and the consequences of standing by his beliefs. Appearances include Steph Curry, Mahershala Ali, and Ice Cube.
Stand earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Feature Length Documentary. The recognition marked a milestone in Rose’s career and reinforced her standing as a distinctive voice in nonfiction filmmaking.
Rose’s narrative short The Listeners features Blair Underwood, Vernon Davis, Bechir Sylvain, Simone Leanora, and Cindy Herron. Original music comes from No I.D. and Jon Batiste. After a summer festival run that included multiple awards, the film was selected for the Montreal Independent Film Festival’s October 2026 edition.
The Listeners received a Best Director award at the LA Independent Filmmaker Showcase. Rose’s earlier narrative shorts have screened at Sundance London and earned honors such as Best Short at the American Film Awards, Best Female Director from Top Shorts, and Best Director at the LA Independent Women Film Awards.
Rose has noted that independent cinema supplies essential space for unconventional narratives, artistic risks, and intimate storytelling that larger productions often cannot accommodate.
Central to Rose’s approach is a focus on stories that reveal meaningful aspects of human experience. She has stated: “I’ve always believed in following the light. It’s what leads me to the stories that matter.” The outlook connects projects that examine identity, resilience, cultural influence, and human connection.
Recent credits include Off-Season, featuring NFL players George Kittle and Vernon Davis and streaming on Tubi. Rose directed and executive produced Same Energy for Uninterrupted and SpringHill, with Marshawn Lynch and 2 Chainz. She also served as producer on the documentary Tale of the Tape, featuring J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
Rose has delivered guest lectures at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and Stanford University’s Institute for Diversity in the Arts. She has judged both the Emmy Awards and the Webby Awards, participated in the Academy’s Gold Rising program, and holds membership in the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Multiple projects remain in development. An upcoming film release is scheduled for this fall, though further details are not yet available.
