Freed But Not Free

Freed But Not Free Media is a not for profit organization built to combat recidivism and help to create innovative solutions for successful reentry. Founded by Nisaiah Perry, a man with wealth of experience in all realms and wakes of life. Welcome & enjoy. I am a filmmaker, producer, podcaster, and independent media entrepreneur committed to telling authentic stories that amplify voices and experiences often overlooked by mainstream media. My work is rooted in community, culture, and transformation, with a focus on creating content that entertains while inspiring meaningful dialogue.As the founder of the non-profit Freed But Not Free and creator and co-host of the We Got Motion Podcast, as well as a broadcasting corporation named Frequency 99, I have spent the past year building a platform that highlights artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Through filmmaking, music videos, podcasts, and digital media, I strive to create work that reflects the resilience, creativity, and innovation found within my community.This fellowship represents an opportunity to expand my creative practice beyond individual projects and into a broader media ecosystem. My goal is to strengthen and grow my podcast network by developing original programming that explores reentry/recidivism,  music, entrepreneurship, social impact, and stories of personal transformation. I believe independent filmmakers have an opportunity not only to create films, but to build sustainable media platforms that connect audiences across multiple formats, including film, podcasts, digital series, and live events.Success for me as an artist is measured by impact as much as recognition. It means creating work that opens doors for others, challenges harmful narratives, and inspires people to believe that their stories have value. It also means developing a sustainable business model that allows independent creators to continue producing meaningful content without compromising their vision.Like many independent filmmakers, I face financial and professional barriers that limit the pace at which I can scale my work. Limited production resources, funding constraints, and access to industry networks often make it difficult to compete with larger, more established production companies. At the same time, balancing creative development with the day-to-day responsibilities of producing, marketing, and distributing content requires wearing many hats.This fellowship would provide more than financial support—it would offer mentorship, collaboration, and access to a network of creatives whose knowledge and experience would help elevate both my craft and my business. My objective is to refine my storytelling, expand my production capabilities, and build a media platform that creates opportunities for other artists while producing content with lasting cultural significance & quality.Ultimately, I want my work to demonstrate that authentic storytelling can be both artistically meaningful and commercially sustainable. By continuing to grow as a filmmaker and media producer, I hope to leave behind a body of work that reflects the power of community, resilience, and the transformative impact of sharing stories that matter.