For over 15 years, Greg Maurice has been immersed in the world of film distribution and acquisitions, navigating an industry known for its challenges and systemic gatekeeping—particularly for African-American and Black filmmakers. As the leader of Filmhub’s Black Cinema Vertical, Maurice is on a mission to level the playing field by creating opportunities and removing barriers for underrepresented voices in film.

“The film industry has always been a tough space, especially for Black and brown filmmakers,” Maurice explains. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on finding ways to highlight these filmmakers and create distribution strategies for their work. Historically, they’ve lacked access and opportunities because so much of the industry revolves around Hollywood relationships.”

Maurice points out that while technological advancements have made it easier for filmmakers to produce content, the road to distribution remains fraught with challenges. “There are so many films being made by talented Black filmmakers, but they don’t have the avenues to distribute their titles. That’s where Filmhub comes in.”

A Platform for Change

Filmhub launched its Black Cinema Vertical to provide a dedicated space for Black filmmakers to distribute their work and share often overlooked stories. Maurice sees this as a pivotal moment in the industry. “It’s about creating opportunities, building distribution strategies, and amplifying stories that haven’t been told,” he says.

Transparency and education are central to Filmhub’s mission. The company empowers filmmakers by giving them access to valuable insights and tools, helping them understand the distribution process and monetize their films. “We value transparency as a company,” Maurice emphasizes. “We want to equip filmmakers with as much insight as possible, from how to use our platform to how to market their titles effectively. It’s all about giving them the tools to succeed.”

Championing Diverse Stories

One of Maurice’s primary goals is to showcase the diversity within the Black filmmaking community. “There’s so much diversity among us, so many talented filmmakers with different stories to tell,” he says. “Unfortunately, Black films are often stereotyped as fitting into one specific narrative. I want to break that mold and highlight the range of genres Black filmmakers are creating—thrillers, comedies, action films, and more. It’s important to show the breadth of creativity coming from our community.”

By collaborating with a variety of channels, Filmhub ensures these unique stories reach audiences that might otherwise never see them. Maurice believes that amplifying these voices enriches the cultural landscape and challenges outdated perceptions of what Black cinema can be.

Building Trust Through Results

Filmhub’s success speaks for itself, thanks to the filmmakers who have benefited from the platform and shared their experiences. “We’ve built our reputation through word of mouth,” Maurice says. “Our founders wanted to prove that what we’re doing works by letting the filmmaking community speak for us. We haven’t done traditional marketing or promotions, but the feedback we’ve received from filmmakers—especially from the Black community—has been incredible.”

The platform’s case studies and filmmaker feedback have helped shape its tools and strategies, enabling Filmhub to better serve its users. The company continually refined its approach to meet filmmakers’ needs, from licensing deals to distribution insights.

The Future of Black Cinema

For Maurice, the ultimate goal is clear: creating distribution strategies that engage audiences and give filmmakers the platform they deserve. “It all comes down to how you engage an audience,” he says. “Filmhub serves as a catalyst, offering insights and transparency while making information and resources readily available.”

Through its Black Cinema vertical, Filmhub is paving the way for a more inclusive film industry. By empowering Black filmmakers, diversifying the stories being told, and breaking down barriers to distribution, Maurice and his team are helping to reshape the landscape of cinema.