Cetywa Powell is an African American film and television director. He is best known for his work on the HBO series The Wire, as well as directing several feature films including Life Support, A Day in the Life, and This Christmas.
Powell was born in 1964 in New York City. Growing up, he was always interested in film and television. He attended New York University’s film school, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Film Theory and Production. After graduating, he began working as a production assistant, and eventually moved up to become a director.
In 2005, Powell directed his first feature film, Life Support. The film starred Queen Latifah as a woman struggling with HIV/AIDS and the repercussions of her decision to keep her illness a secret from her family. The film was well-received, and earned Powell an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Powell’s next feature film, A Day in the Life, was released in 2007. The film follows a day in the life of a group of inner-city teenagers as they struggle with poverty and crime. The film received positive reviews, and was nominated for several awards.
In 2008, Powell directed the holiday classic, This Christmas. The film follows the Whitfield family as they reunite for the holiday season. The film was a box office success, and has become a holiday tradition for many families.
Powell’s television work includes directing episodes of The Wire, House of Payne, and Girlfriends. In 2012, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for his work on The Wire.
In addition to directing, Powell has also produced several films, including The Great Debaters, Just Wright, and Sparkle.
Today, Powell is considered one of the most talented directors working in film and television. He is highly respected for his ability to tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences. He continues to work on both television and film projects, and is sure to have many more successes in the years to come.
