About Reels & Roots

Cultivating culture
through film.

We believe storytelling can create community, promote healing, and inspire transformation.

A wide view of the audience gathered for a Reels & Roots screening

Our story

The start of Reels & Roots

Reels & Roots was co-founded by Dr. Russell J. Ledet, Mallory Brown-Ledet, Konah Williams, and Raymond Powell—a team of storytellers, strategists, and community advocates united by one belief: film has the power to heal, connect, and transform communities.

What began as an effort to host meaningful film screenings in Indianapolis has grown into a movement that bridges art, conversation, and collective healing.

Each co-founder brings a distinct perspective, helping ensure every Reels & Roots experience remains rooted in purpose, representation, and impact.

Mission

To cultivate culture through film by amplifying authentic stories and creating spaces for reflection, dialogue, connection, and growth.

Vision

To use storytelling as a catalyst for creating community, promoting healing, and inspiring transformation.

Our approach

An experience built around every story.

Reels & Roots does not simply show films. We build an intentional experience around each story—before the film, during the experience, and after the credits.

Before the film

Watch

We choose films with intention—stories told authentically, by and about people whose experiences deserve a wider audience.

During the experience

Reflect

We hold space for the quiet moment after the credits, when a story is still settling and audiences are deciding what it means to them.

After the credits

Discuss

Filmmakers, community leaders, and audiences speak with one another—not at one another—so different perspectives can meet in the same room.

Beyond the room

Grow

We return, follow up, and build on what was shared, so each screening becomes part of a longer relationship with a community.

Why Reels & Roots?

Because the story doesn't end when the lights come up.

Every screening is designed as a whole experience: the welcome at the door, the film itself, the pause afterward, and the conversation that follows. That design is what turns a night at the movies into something people carry home.

Representation
Empathy
Lived experience
Community conversation
Cultural understanding
Reflection
Healing-centered spaces
Collective growth

Panelists in conversation during a Reels & Roots post-film dialogue

Leadership

The co-founders

President & Co-Founder

Dr. Russell J. Ledet

A physician-scientist, veteran, and storyteller, Dr. Ledet brings a unique blend of science, empathy, and vision to Reels & Roots. He leads the organization with a belief that film can be a catalyst for connection and collective healing.

Chief Financial Officer & Co-Founder

Mallory Brown-Ledet

An experienced strategist and community advocate, Mallory oversees the organization's operations and sustainability. She helps ensure each partnership, program, and initiative is built to last and rooted in equity and impact.

Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Founder

Konah Williams

An Emmy Award-winning media professional, Konah shapes the creative vision and public voice of Reels & Roots. She brings experience in storytelling, production, and community engagement to amplify the organization's reach and resonance.

Chief Community Officer & Co-Founder

Raymond Muti'a Powell

A community leader and advocate, Raymond strengthens Reels & Roots' ties to the people it serves. His work helps ensure the organization's mission remains rooted in genuine connection and community impact.

Join us

Come sit in the room.

Explore screenings Get involved

Newsletter

Stay close to the story.

Be the first to hear about screenings, filmmakers, conversations, partnerships, and new ways to get involved.

Cultivating culturethrough film.