FILMMAKER · STORYTELLER · ADVOCATE

Meet Princella D. Smith

A native of Wynne, Arkansas, Princella Smith is a filmmaker and author dedicated to telling stories that bridge deep American divides and celebrate the profound resilience of the human experience.

Following a career in government and politics, she pivoted fully to narrative storytelling, a transition anchored by a decade-long commitment to documenting the legacies of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Since 2016, Princella has explored this historical tragedy across various mediums, culminating in her most deeply personal project to date: the animated short film Will I Dance Again? Grounded in immersive research and a trusted, ten-year creative partnership with survivor Daina Bradley, Princella brings depth to this restorative work.

A decorated creator, Princella’s previous work includes the Oscar-qualified, NAACP Image Award-nominated animated short Walk In The Light (2025) and the Emmy-nominated PSA The World Watched (2020).

She is also the author of the companion book Walk In The Light and the upcoming companion book Will I Dance Again? The film stars Academy Award nominee Alfre Woodard and features ballet virtuoso Misty Copeland.