ROBERT X. GOLPHIN

Robert X. Golphin is a multi-award-winning actor, filmmaker, writer, and director whose work is rooted in the belief that storytelling has the power to provoke, inspire, instigate, and empower. Best known for his role as Dunbar Reed in The Great Debaters, alongside Denzel Washington, Robert’s career spans across acting, directing, writing, and producing, with performances that have earned him recognition on the international film festival circuit.

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Robert’s work tackles a wide array of impactful social issues—ranging from AIDS, addiction, and body image to women’s rights, sexual assault, and mental health. His upcoming short psychodrama Chest Candy (2025) focuses on mental health within military families. His multi award-winning short film Essential (2020), which he wrote, directed, and produced, captures the intersection of the pandemic and civil unrest and demonstrates his commitment to telling stories that challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversation. He also stars in the award-winning LGBTQ+ narrative short How To Tie A Tie (2022), which won Best Short Film at the Peachtree Village International Film Festival, in addition to several other accolades.

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Beyond his creative work, Robert is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of filmmakers and creatives. He teaches film camps, workshops, and masterclasses, offering young artists the tools to bring their own voices to the screen.

Robert’s background in print and broadcast journalism, including movie reviews, entertainment columns, and celebrity interviews, adds depth to his perspective and understanding of the industry, further informing his work as a storyteller.

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As a director, Robert made his feature film debut with Freshman Friday (2020), starring NAACP Theater Award-winner Jerrel O'Neal and international recording artist Brian McKnight Jr. He has also written, produced, and directed a diverse range of award-winning short films, music videos, documentaries, and stage plays, collaborating with artists such as Niki Koss (Famous in Love) and house music icon Julie McKnight.

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An accomplished author, Robert’s novellas Cold Night In A Warm Season (2021) and Abandoning Adam: Confessions of an HBCU Scholar have been praised for their depth and emotional resonance. His screenwriting has been recognized by WeScreenplay, ABC Talent Development, and the Set in Philadelphia Screenplay Competition.

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Robert holds an MFA in Screenwriting, a B.A. in Theatre & Film (Magna Cum Laude), and a diploma in Creative Writing. He is always eager to collaborate with others who share his passion for creating thought-provoking, meaningful content that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.