Lisa Cortes Biography

Lisa Cortes, a talented film and music producer, has a knack for bringing to life expressive voices and tales that aren't typically heard. Cortes was deeply touched by Sapphire's novel Push when he first read it in 1996, and he believed it had to be adapted for the big screen. Precious, a gripping popular film from 2009, garnered six Academy Award nominations and two victories. Sapphire's book was sold to filmmaker Lee Daniels, who shared Cortes' aim of initiating and spreading cutting-edge African American culture and concerns through the arts to create change. She then spent four years trying to get Sapphire to adapt the novel Push into the film Precious. Cortes donned several hats since he was involved in the production on a daily basis, from scripting to filming to marketing, and "from conception to the baptism." The film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, as well as sweeping the awards season. The Hollywood Reporter called Precious a "disturbing masterwork of human survival," while prominent newspapers like Variety and The New York Times praised it. Cortes was not only a driving influence behind the film Precious, but he was also a driving force in the music business as one of the few people who founded Def Jam Records during the hip-golden hop period. Her fascinating talk gives an inside look at the fast-paced film and music industries, with underlying themes and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Lisa Cortes's expertise is in high demand. To book Lisa Cortes for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Lisa Cortes's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Lisa Cortes's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Lisa Cortes for your next speaking engagement.