Gorilla Tales: Kareem Davis' Hollywood Rollercoaster Ride

Atlanta's film scene buzz in 2016, and at its core was Kareem “Gorilla” Davis. This is his Hollywood roller coaster ride.

“In 2016, you couldn't tell me I wasn't the biggest up-and-coming filmmaker in Atlanta,” Davis says. “On my first feature film in Florida, I was embarking on my most exciting project to date. I published a fantasy novel, turned it into a screenplay, and began the casting process with my then-wife. Sponsorships, audition royalties and callbacks came in like a tidal wave.”

But what started as a dream project quickly turned into a crash course in cancellation culture.

Davis was the guy who made magic behind the camera. He had the ability to cultivate untapped talent in others. He started young, helping shape award-winning artists when he was barely old enough to drive, and later shaping up-and-coming names into Hollywood heartthrobs. With a proven track record of breakthrough strengths, making stars wasn't just his job—it was his gift.

But at the top, a troubled past marred his ascension, as issues arose stemming from a mix of angry investors, disgruntled actors he'd worked with and a complicated divorce created a maelstrom of personal strife.

“The people who have the most ammunition against you are the people you're seemingly closest to, the people you're kindest to, and you support the toughest who have the most ammunition against you,” he says. Davis believed he was real, raw and open about his own struggles. “You see, I am a very honest and transparent person. I believe that by sharing my journey and struggles with the world, I can inspire people to trust the process.”

“Yeah, I've messed up,” Davis admits. “I've stepped on toes, I've had deals go south. But I've gone all in — selling equipment to pay back investors, bypassing my own bills to keep my crew afloat. Success is not a straight line,” he says, reflecting on his experiences.

Instead of bowing, Davis stuck to his guns. “The real deal needs no defense,” he says, calling his critics to check while he remains steadfast in his work.

Through the obstacles, Davis remains resourceful, turning apparent disadvantages into a display of efficiency and an ability to lead despite adversity. Accustomed to the struggle of working with limited resources, Davis hesitates when presented with an abundance of resources. He evolved into a completely unorthodox method of filmmaking that served him well.

While Imperium Features may be considered an industry underdog compared to big studios with blockbuster budgets, it's their tight-knit team mentality that allows them to develop a strategic, high-concept, low-investment approach to creative production that sets the company apart. Guided by Davis' meticulous direction, Imperium Features strives to reshape the standards for efficiency and excellence in the motion picture industry.

Davis is then gearing up for his upcoming action thriller, Broken things, which is currently in pre-production. The film follows a ruthless businessman whose son unwittingly hires an assassin to instill a moral transformation in his father.

Expressing his anticipation for the project, Kareem states, “I'm really excited about it. It's reminiscent of the movies that inspired me as a young lad, and it's something you don't see much of these days. The tension and suspense of a high-stakes action thriller combined with social commentary on what it means to be a father and a hit in today's world will hit home.”

Developed by Imperium Features, the film is produced by Stephanie Paige, Yoel Kanchelov and Paul Stavropoulos, with 5120 Entertainment's Eugene Parker as Executive Producer. Additional production support will be overseen by Don Hale Jr. for 5120 Entertainment, with the collaborative assistance of Avron AP Payne.

Beyond filmmaking, Davis recently secured a podcasting deal with Filmatic to produce The hardest. The podcast promises a deep dive into the world of filmmaking and the arts, exploring the profound impact of cinema on contemporary culture, with the premiere episode scheduled for mid-2024.

As he prepares for the next phase of his career, Davis remains steadfast, letting his art speak his truth as a reminder that he won't let his past derail his future. The highs and lows of his journey are a testament to his belief in the project, sticking to the hustle even when life can be unforgiving.