John Mims is an award-winning video producer, director, and editor with more than 20 years of experience crafting human-centered stories for national and global advocacy organizations. His work sits at the intersection of cinematic storytelling and social justice — translating complex, urgent issues into films that build empathy, inspire action, and advance the missions of the organizations he serves.

Over the course of his career, John has collaborated with some of the most consequential advocacy institutions in the country, including the Vera Institute of Justice, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood, and UNICEF. Whether directing a short documentary, producing a high-stakes gala video, or developing an ongoing series that centers the voices of system impacted people, he brings the same commitment: to tell the truth about people's lives with clarity, dignity, and craft.

He believes that the stories we tell about injustice — and about resilience — have real power to shift how people see the world and what they're willing to do about it.

 Vera Institute of Justice

Senior Multimedia Producer (May 2022 – present)

Directs, produces, films, and edits short documentaries, advocacy pieces, and event videos highlighting Vera's mission to transform the criminal legal system. Develops and manages ongoing video series for web and social platforms, centering the voices of directly impacted communities. Collaborates with designers, editors, and partner organizations to ensure storytelling is strategic, compelling, and aligned with Vera's brand.

Center for Reproductive Rights

Senior Multimedia Producer (July 2018 – May 2022)

Produced and edited videos for high-profile events including annual galas and national advocacy campaigns. Translated complex legal cases into accessible, emotional stories that celebrated wins and mobilized support for reproductive rights. Partnered with global advocacy teams to capture and amplify stories from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Criterion Collection

Video Editor (June 2016 - May 2018)

Edited featurettes, archival pieces, and supplemental content for Criterion's acclaimed film library, contributing to both Blu-ray/DVD releases and the streaming platform. Collaborated with curators and producers to craft context-rich video essays, behind-the-scenes pieces, and filmmaker interviews.

Tru Films

Video Editor (Sept 2016 - Dec 2016)

Edited Ending AIDS Together, a short documentary that became PEPFAR's first advocacy video, blending historical reflection with interviews including a conversation between Ambassador Deborah Birx and journalist Katie Couric.

Planned Parenthood

Senior Content Producer (Jan 2015 - Nov 2015) and Producer/ Editor (July 2016 - Sept 2016)

Co-produced and edited national video series on consent, healthy relationships, and safer sex for teens and young adults. Produced rapid-response content and educational campaigns in support of Planned Parenthood's mission.

UNICEF

Senior Video Editor (2003-2014) and Freelance Video Editor (2015-2017)

Produced and edited more than 100 videos for UNICEF, including PSAs, fundraising appeals, and global campaigns addressing humanitarian crises from Syria to Pakistan. Helped shape UNICEF's visual storytelling approach to connect audiences emotionally with children and families in crisis.