Headshot by Studio Tshay

David A. Gaines (he/they) is a writer, director and actor born and based in Philadelphia. His work examines Blackness, masculinity, Christianity and mental health through an intersectional lens.

Dave’s films have screened at film festivals such as the BlackStar Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, National Black Arts Festival and the International Video Poetry Festival.

As an award-winning, nationally touring poetry performer and Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County, his work has also been featured in several publications including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, VICE Media, Button Poetry, among many others.

When not writing, performing or orchestrating films, you can find Dave teaching poetry to Philly youth, spending time with nature and attempting a conversion to morning personhood.