Jovahna Marie, better known by her pen name J.M. Pozon, is a creative force who has left her mark across multiple artistic disciplines. A six-time published, award-winning author, poet, actress, and now director, she has captivated audiences through her literary works and on-screen performances. With over a decade of writing experience, Pozon is most renowned for her fiery romance trilogy, Setting Fire to the Darkness, and her award-winning poetry book Whiskey for the Wounded, which was featured in the New York Times Daily.

Her talent for storytelling doesn’t stop at the page. Pozon has also made waves in the film and theater world, starring in multiple films, including The Invite, Contract Healer, and Angela Dunlap’s The Mistress. She has also graced the stage as one of the leading ladies in T.J. Hemphill’s hit stage play, Love Won’t Let Me Wait. Most notably, her portrayal of Juanita in The Jackie Wilson Story earned her the prestigious Spirit of Detroit Award, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Proving that her artistic ambition knows no bounds, Pozon is now stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut with the highly anticipated film, The Dark Side of Beautiful. Both writing and directing the project, she showcases a bold and unfiltered perspective on beauty, complexity, and resilience.

The film promises to be a visually striking and emotionally compelling piece that will further cement Pozon’s reputation as a multifaceted storyteller. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the trailer teases a gripping narrative that is sure to captivate audiences.

Watch the trailer for The Dark Side of Beautiful here:
Dark Side of Beautiful (2025) Trailer

We recently caught up with J.M. Pozon

BMM: At what age did you realize you loved the entertainment business?

JMP: I think I knew fairly early on that I wanted to create and entertain people. As a child, writing and reading were therapeutic for me. My books were my refuge, and they often provided me an escape from life. When I got older, I knew that was what I wanted to do for others. I wanted to give people a respite from the burdens or mundaneness of everyday life.

BMM: How would you describe your directing style?

JMP: My directing style would be most akin to Stanley Kubrick’s style of directing. I tend to focus a great deal on the visual aspects of the filmmaking in my storytelling process. I believe everything captured on film—from the set design to the props, the lighting, and the music—tells a story. That said, I am very strategic about what elements I use to convey or create specific moods, tones, or atmosphere.

BMM: Do you like acting or directing more?

JMP: That is a hard one. At my core, I am a visionary and a creator. I am passionate about the art of creation. Truthfully, I think everything we create is essentially telling a story in one form or another. Books, films, art, poetry—they all house a story within them, one which they are dying to let out. My job as a creative is to unleash those stories. And I love being able to use my imagination to provide entertainment that my audience will enjoy. So, for me, it doesn’t really matter what medium I use.

BMM: What’s next for you?

JMP: I am not sure yet, but I am already planning the next rounds of castings and auditions for my next film.

From pen to performance, J.M. Pozon continues to redefine storytelling, seamlessly transitioning between literature, film, and theater. Whether she’s crafting powerful prose, delivering captivating performances, or now directing thought-provoking cinema, one thing is clear—her influence is only growing.

J.M. Pozon is a name to watch—because this is just the beginning.