J.M. Harper’s directorial debut, As We Speak (Paramount+), a feature documentary that creatively explores the criminalization of rap lyrics, premiered in the U.S. Documentary Competition at Sundance 2024. Named to DOC NYC’s “40 Under 40” list in 2024, Harper has also edited four critically acclaimed features and series, including the Emmy-nominated Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (Netflix, Sundance 2022), A Kid From Coney Island (Netflix), which chronicles the life of Stephon Marbury, and Down a Dark Stairwell (PBS, Criterion Channel). As a commercial director with Park Pictures, Harper has garnered accolades at Cannes Lions, Clios, UKVMAs and Adweek.