Emma Francis-Snyder

Director & Archival Producer

In 2006, under the neon lights of a gay-friendly neighborhood in New York City, a group of African-American lesbians were violently threatened by a man on the street. The women fought back and were later charged with gang assault and attempted murder. The tabloids quickly dubbed them a gang of "Killer Lesbians" and a "Wolf Pack." Three pleaded guilty to avoid a trial, but the remaining four — Renata, Patreese, Venice and Terrain — maintained their innocence. The award-winning Out in the Night examines the sensational case and the women's uphill battle, revealing the role that race, gender identity and sexuality play in our criminal justice system.

Out In The Night

TAKEOVER explores the twelve historic hours on July 14, 1970, in which fifty members of the Young Lords Party stormed the dilapidated Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, drove out their administrative staff, barricaded entrances and windows, and made their cries for decent healthcare known to the world. They raised the Puerto Rican flag atop the building, as well as a banner reading “The People’s Hospital” - a nom de guerre still used today. Through archival footage, seamless reenactments, and modern-day interviews, we follow the Young Lords’ resistance against institutions curated by wealth and white supremacy, and their fight for the most basic of human rights: the right to accessible, quality healthcare.

The film was directed by Emma Francis-Snyder, and produced by PGA- and Emmy-winning producer Tony Gerber. Lynn Nottage and Luis A. Miranda serve as the film’s executive producers, and original Young Lords Miguel Melendez and Iris Morales are consulting producers. 

Takeover

Narrated by renowned rapper Nas, Origins of Hip-Hop is an 8-episode series from Slane Hatch exploring many of Hip-Hop's most celebrated and groundbreaking stars as they share the experiences that molded them into the legendary artists they became. The series explores the origins of Busta Rhymes, Eve, Fat Joe, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Ja Rule, Lil Jon, and Uncle Luke as they reflect on their personal journeys and the evolutions of their artistic points of view through their own eyes. Origins of Hip-Hop premiered on A&E in May 2022. 

Origins of Hip Hop

Executive produced by Alex Gibney and Robert Redford and narrated by Susan Sarandon, DEATH ROW STORIES is a six-episode series chronicling the events of death row cases and uncovering shortcomings of the nation’s justice system. DEATH ROW STORIES is a co-production between Jigsaw Productions and Sundance Productions. The series aired on CNN.

Death Row Stories

When her father is diagnosed with dementia, filmmaker Emma Francis-Snyder documents navigating a treacherous healthcare system and bring his memories to life through his humorous unfinished novel. Blending documentary and fiction, Anatomy of a Life captures the insanity and realities of the end of one’s life.

Anatomy of a Life

Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain tells the story of a brotherhood that has withstood the test of time to create a truly original, everlasting legacy.

Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain

As street art’s widespread integration bursts into the mainstream vibrancy via posters, books and high-end galleries, the film takes viewers back to the origin of the art, in one of its most extreme and risky forms. The film is directed by Roger Gastman and produced by Mass Appeal for SHOWTIME.

Rolling Like Thunder 

You're Watching Video Music Box Chronicles the longest-running music video show in the world, Video Music Box, launched and hosted in New York City by visionary DJ and MC Ralph McDaniels. With four decades of never-before-seen footage from McDaniel’s packed vault, the film spotlights the series’ global influence on Hip Hop, along with his professional and personal triumphs. 