Just listen. Calm down. Be happy.
Mario Tahi Lathan
Contact: behappy@willscircus.com
I am a Creative Producer/Writer and always dreamer, who was born and raised in Cincinnati. Holding an MFA in Film from Howard University, I explore the beauty within the human experience through an improvised, visual jazz aesthetic. My professional work includes developing and producing programming for major studios ranging from CNN, PBS, ESPN to NETFLIX. Currently based in Riverside, CA, my eternal blessing lies in fatherhood to William and Sofia.
AWARDS
BROADCAST
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
2022 - DREAMLAND: The Burning of Black Wall Street
Winner: Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction
Nominee: Outstanding Social Issue Documentary
FILM
2026 - Video Art & Experimental Film Festival - Honorable Mention - The Lesser of 2 Evils
2025 - San Antonio Black Intl. Film Festival - Best Editing - The Lesser of 2 Evils
2025 - San Antonio Black Intl. Film Festival - Honorable Mention - The Lesser of 2 Evils
2023 - Rochester Intl. Film Festival - Honorable Mention - Boodie & Bambi: A Nisei Story
2023 - Cindependent Film Festival - Honorable Mention - Boodie & Bambi: A Nisei Story
2019 - New York Jazz Film Festival - Best Director - This Is The BasH!
2019 - Visions Du Reel - Media Library - This Is The BasH!
2012 - Jazz Journalist Association Jazz Awards - Short Form Jazz News Video of the Year - VICTORY!
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
2026 - The Pinata of Timothy Street - 88 Unashamed Black Mental Health Stories
2024 - The Dad is Alright - Inlandia Journal, Fall 2024
2020 - In The Editor's Room - BFMMAG
2019 - Every Action Movie Needs Theme Music, Sucker! - BFMMAG
2019 - A Film Producer's Journey - BFMMAG
2019 - Ponty Bistro - Restaurant Review - Africa Everywhere