James Jones Jr. is a visionary director, writer, and filmmaker who has made a significant mark in independent cinema. As the founder of Bearhug Productions, based in Greenville, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas, he broke new ground by becoming the first individual to write, film, direct, and edit an independent full-length musical in Northeastern North Carolina.

Jones’s cinematic journey began in 2007 with video editing, igniting his passion for visual storytelling—particularly stories that highlight people of color and their untold histories. In 2014, he collaborated with an Atlanta-based organization as their media specialist, capturing and editing videos that were later showcased before an audience of 20,000 at the Philips Arena for the Neighborhood Awards, hosted by Steve Harvey. His talents gained further recognition when he was commissioned to create a Lifetime Achievement video for the legendary Cissy Houston and her family, which was presented at the 2015 Gospel Image Awards.

Determined to elevate his craft, Jones ventured into cinematography in 2017, starting with a Samsung phone to record videos and music projects. Believing that mastering techniques with minimal equipment would strengthen his skills, he remained persistent in acquiring professional-grade gear. This dedication led him to create a groundbreaking music video in 2018, addressing overlooked aspects of American history—particularly in his home state of North Carolina. The impact of this project inspired him to expand it into a full-length feature film, Freedom of North Carolina.

Faced with challenges in finding cinematographers who aligned with his vision, Jones embraced the realization that he would write, film, and edit the project himself. Freedom of North Carolina premiered in select theaters in October 2021, ultimately gaining the attention of Entertainment Studios, founded by Byron Allen in Los Angeles, leading to its U.S. domestic and international distribution. The film earned recognition at four film festivals, including:

• Iconic Images Film Festival (2022)

• Serbest International Film Festival (2022)

• Pecan Picklin’ Film Festival (2023)

• International Gullah Film Festival (2023), where it won Best Feature Film

Following this success, Jones filmed his second feature, Paydert, in May 2023, which was released in August 2024. The film secured licensing deals with two theater chains, was screened at community colleges and special events, and became an official selection at multiple festivals, including:

• Raleigh Film & Art Festival

• Prince George’s Film Festival (Maryland)

• Pecan Picklin’ Film Festival

Jones’s impact continues to grow, earning recognition and praise from industry professionals in Hollywood. His unwavering dedication to storytelling is driven by a passion for sharing the untold stories of African history. As a filmmaker, he remains committed to educating, inspiring, and informing through the power of cinema.