Stephanie Brown: Turning Stories Into Purpose Through Film and Nonprofit Work

In an era where content dominates culture, Stephanie Brown, a Mississippi-born screenwriter and filmmaker, is carving out her own lane in storytelling. Transitioning from teaching to full-time filmmaking, Brown has written over 16 short films and produced a feature-length film, Tales from 10th and Northside, now streaming on Tubi. Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot careers and redefine purpose.

From the Classroom to the Big Screen

Brown’s storytelling began in the 9th grade when her essay won recognition, but her true career shift came after a personal challenge inspired her to write more intentionally. “Teaching gave me discipline, but film gave me freedom,” Brown reflects. That leap of faith resonates in an industry where women—especially women over 35—are often underrepresented.

According to a 2023 report by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, only 24% of screenwriters in Hollywood are women. For women of color, that figure drops even lower. Brown’s success story challenges those statistics, proving that persistence and creativity can shift the narrative.

The Dining Playhouse: Blending Food and Film

Her newest project, The Dining Playhouse, is slated for November 1st at the Pink Lion Jazz Club in Stonecrest, Georgia. This innovative brunch-style experience blends live skits with intimate dining. With capacity for 150 guests, Brown aims to create a cultural staple that explores love, relationships, and “situationships” through comedy and drama.

Experiential events like these are on the rise—according to Eventbrite, over 78% of millennials say they would rather spend money on experiences than things, highlighting the demand for creative gatherings like Brown’s.

Real Action Inc.: Giving Women a Voice

Beyond film, Brown is the founder of Real Action Inc., a nonprofit that supports women over 35 in telling their stories through creative mediums. The organization provides training, resources, and platforms for women to share experiences often overlooked in mainstream media.

This initiative arrives at a critical time. Data from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media shows that stories centered on women over 40 make up less than 10% of leading roles in film and television. Real Action Inc. is tackling that gap head-on, ensuring these stories not only exist but thrive.

A Mission Fueled by Faith

For Brown, storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s a calling. She often emphasizes that faith has anchored her path, reminding audiences that creativity has no expiration date. Her projects embody that belief, merging artistry with advocacy and empowerment.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Stephanie Brown plans to:

• Expand The Dining Playhouse into a touring experience across the South

• Launch monthly film screenings to support emerging filmmakers

• Continue building Real Action Inc. into a national hub for women’s storytelling

With her feature film streaming, a major live event on the calendar, and a nonprofit transforming lives, Stephanie Brown is living proof that purpose-driven storytelling can shape culture—one narrative at a time.