James Spooner
Artist, Documentary Filmmaker
AfroPunk Founder
James Spooner is best known for his original documentary film AfroPunk (2003),
exploring the African-American experience in the punk and alternative music scene.
After its release, he curated the Liberation Sessions concert series which promoted
black artistry via music and film.
Spooner founded the annual AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn, working with it from
2005 through 2008. Spooner later wrote and directed White Lies Black Sheep
(2007), a fictional feature set within the punk world that premiered at the Toronto
International Film Festival. He also wrote the foreword for the book anthology
"White Riot" which examines where race, identity and punk music intersect.
Spooner also worked as a prominent DJ in New York City.