Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortez Gilliams.
Hi Cortez, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path into filmmaking didn’t start with connections or resources—it started with survival. I grew up in Memphis, and life forced me to mature early, but everything changed after my mother died by suicide following a long battle with depression. I was already struggling mentally myself and losing her reshaped how I saw the world and the stories I felt called to tell.
For more than five years, I didn’t have stable housing. I slept in my car, stayed in homeless shelters, and kept going even when the future felt uncertain. There were days when it felt impossible, and honestly, it’s still hard—but I refused to give up. Storytelling became my way of holding on, of reminding myself that there was purpose beyond the pain.
That perseverance led to my upcoming film, 901 Mafia Family*. It’s a reflection of where I come from and what I’ve lived through. I don’t create just to entertain—I create to give a voice to people who feel invisible, to spark real conversations, and to show that even in the darkest seasons, it’s possible to keep moving forward.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. There were long periods where I was just trying to survive while still holding onto a vision. For more than five years, I experienced homelessness—sleeping in my car and staying in shelters—while continuing to pursue film and television with little to no resources.
At the same time, I was navigating personal loss, including the death of my mother to suicide, and managing my own mental health. Balancing grief, instability, and creative ambition was exhausting, and there were moments when giving up would have been the easier choice.
The biggest struggle was staying consistent when progress felt invisible. But those challenges shaped my discipline and purpose. They reminded me why I tell these stories and who they’re for. The road is still difficult, but I’ve learned that persistence—especially when no one is watching—is what makes the difference.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a filmmaker, writer, and producer who specializes in raw, character-driven stories rooted in real life. My work focuses on film and television projects that explore trauma, resilience, mental health, and the realities of underrepresented communities—particularly youth. I’m best known for my upcoming project, 901 Mafia Family, which reflects both my creative voice and lived experience.
901 Mafia Family* is more than a film—it’s a story shaped by survival, loss, and perseverance. The project draws from the realities of growing up around violence, grief, and limited opportunity, while still centering hope and accountability. It’s the work I’m most proud of because it represents years of sacrifice, including periods of homelessness, personal loss, and moments where continuing felt nearly impossible.
What sets me apart is authenticity. I don’t approach storytelling from the outside looking in—I tell stories I’ve lived, witnessed, and endured. That lived experience allows me to create work that feels honest, emotionally grounded, and purposeful. My goal isn’t just to entertain, but to spark meaningful conversations and use storytelling as a tool for awareness, healing, and change.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t think of myself as a risk-taker in the traditional sense. For me, risk wasn’t about chasing thrill or comfort—it was about choosing purpose over safety. Many of the biggest risks I’ve taken didn’t feel optional at the time; they felt necessary.
One of the largest risks was committing fully to storytelling when I had no financial security. I spent years sleeping in my car and staying in homeless shelters while continuing to invest time, energy, and whatever resources I had into my craft. Walking away would have been safer, but staying meant believing in something long before there was proof it would work.
Another major risk was telling deeply personal and uncomfortable stories, including those reflected in 901 Mafia Family*. Being honest about trauma, loss, and mental health opens you up to judgment, but I believe authenticity carries more weight than approval.
I’ve learned that risk isn’t about reckless moves—it’s about alignment. If the risk moves you closer to your purpose, it’s worth considering. I take calculated risks rooted in faith, preparation, and long-term impact. I’d rather fail trying to build something meaningful than succeed at something that doesn’t reflect who I am or what I stand for.
Pricing:
- We are Working On raising $50,000 to complete Episode 1 of 901 Mafia Family—a proof-of-concept episode rooted in real-life experiences, focused on youth, mental health, and community impact. This episode is essential to securing distribution and long-term funding
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/mfBtCDd2nbQ
- Other: https://share.google/YcqOXMEi3xQ6v2BZT
