Mercedes Kane, a storyteller and Founder of Daisy May Films, has explored the human experience in numerous films. Her recent directorial works include ART AND PEP (2022, Peacock), MORE WITH LESS: THE POWER OF HBCUs IN AMERICA (2022), and WHAT REMAINS: THE BURNING DOWN OF BLACK WALL STREET (2021, the Smithsonian Museum). ART AND PEP won the Audience Award at the Chicago International Film Festival and premiered on Peacock in June 2023. Her third documentary, BREAKFAST AT INA’S, was screened at over 50 international festivals and acquired by American Public Television.

Mercedes has also produced films such as BANANA SEASON (2018) and directed TODAY WE SAW THE FACE OF GOD (2012) and HEARTS OF HOPE (2009). She was an associate producer for CHICAGO HEIGHTS (2010), recognized as one of the best art films by Roger Ebert.

Apart from filmmaking, Mercedes is pursuing an MFA in Narrative Nonfiction at the University of Georgia and regularly publishes in The Takeout. She is currently developing a written article and podcast on the American juvenile justice system.