Finise Avery

Finise Avery is an award-winning director, writer, and producer based in New York City. A member of both the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and SAG-AFTRA, Avery is known for creating bold, inclusive stories that blend emotional truth with cinematic artistry. Her directorial debut, Living With Grandma, has earned more than 20 international awards, including Best Female Director at the Cannes World Film Festival and Best First-Time Director at the Los Angeles Film Awards. The film, which is now being developed into an episodic series, explores addiction recovery and generational bonds with a balance of humor and raw authenticity. In addition to her filmmaking, Avery is committed to advancing equity in the industry. She serves as the AD/UPM Category Representative on the DGA's Focus on Women Committee and is the founder of Reel Solidarity, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusive storytelling and opportunities for underrepresented voices in film.