Kira Denise Kelly is an American cinematographer. She is perhaps best known for her work on 13th, which earned her an Emmy Award nomination, and the cable series Queen Sugar.
Career Kelly is a graduate of Northwestern University with a major in Radio/Television/Film. Her professional film career began as an electrician. In a 2017 interview on the public radio series The Frame, she indicated that she would also "shoot any project I could get my hands on."
She also learned a lot from working as a gaffer on bigger budget projects. Her early work as a cinematographer included two features directed by Tom Gustafson and the Hulu series East Los High.
A big break in her career occurred when Ava DuVernay reached out to her through social media. This eventually led to Kelly being hired to work on 13th, for which she received an Emmy Award nomination.
Influences Kelly is influenced by the work of Rinko Kawauchi, Martina Hoogland Ivanow, and Cy Twombly.
Selected filmography Film Year Title Director Notes2008ReflectionsEli HershikoAmerica's Shadows: HIV Risk in Black & Latino YouthTchaiko OmawaleWere the World MineTom Gustafson2009Estilo Hip HopVirgilio Bravo and Loira Limbal2012Changing Face of HarlemShawn BateyMariachi GringoTom Gustafson2013Pop StarCarlos Portugal2014Back on Board: Greg LouganisCheryl Furjanic201613thAva DuVernayEmmy Award nomination2019Skin in the GameAdisa2021Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsDestin Daniel CrettonAdditional photography2024Rez BallSydney Freeland2025HimJustin TippingTBAMisty GreenChris RockFilming
Television Year Title Director(s) Notes2020Madam C. J. WalkerKasi Lemmons and DeMane Davis2019The Red LineKevin Hooks, et al.2017-2019Queen SugarAva DuVernay, et al.2017Iron Maidens2013-2016East Los HighCarlos Portugal, et al.2021Y: The Last ManLouise Friedberg, Daisy von Scherler Mayer 2 episodes2024EchoSydney Freeland 4 episodes
Awards and recognition Nominated – Emmy Award for 13th
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