Ricky Rhodes is a talented writer and director who is deeply committed to utilizing the power of cinema to bring attention to human rights issues and preserving biodiversity. As a native Angeleno, he spent his formative years working on film sets, surfing, studying philosophy and curiously analyzing auteur cinema. Rhodes’ passion for storytelling and social and environmental justice led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Cinematography from California State University at Northridge, where he honed his craft and developed a unique style that blends powerful visuals with impactful messages.

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After graduating, Rhodes co-founded the message-first media production company Planet Froth Productions, with his filmmaking partner Jordan Henderson, where he has led a variety of high-profile projects for clients including Warner Bros, Hans Zimmer, Truist Bank, Prudential, From The Earth, Acura, and Bob's Dance Shop. Rhodes’ work has been recognized with numerous awards and press features, including Best Documentary Short awards at film festivals in 2021 for his riveting social justice film Not Just Another Day, which explores the racial injustices of cannabis possession arrests. His works has been featured in Forbes, Nowness, Voyage, and ShoutoutLA. Rhodes has spoken on film festival panels and appeared as a guest speaker on podcasts.

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His project Yellow Wallpaper is an adaptation of the classic feminist short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The film masterfully blends 19th-century period drama with psychological thriller and Flamenco dance elements to deliver a powerful message about women's rights and the devastating lineage of medical maltreatment and postpartum depression. Yellow Wallpaper had its world premiere at the Oscar and Bafta qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival. It won the audience award for Best Short Film at the Coronado Island Film Festival in 2022 and screened at the Palm Springs Shortsfest in 2023. 

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Rhodes’ latest documentary Humanatee is about an explorer's 21-year-long friendship with manatees and the recent threats that stand to wipe them out. The documentary short film screened at the United Nations - World Oceans Week in June, 2023. Rhodes is actively pitching the Humanatee full-length documentary feature to studios. Filming will begin in November when the manatees migrate back to Florida. 

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Above all, Rhodes believes in the art of filmmaking to create the culture we want to see in the world. Through his innovative and impactful work, he is helping to shape the conversation around important issues and inspiring audiences to think critically about the world around them.

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Reach out: rickyacerhodes@gmail.com