Women’s History Month Profile, Fearless Filmmaker April Jones: Amplifying Voices, Challenging Norms

By Melani Morose Edelstein, Contributor

April Jones’ path has been marked by audacity and purpose. Storyteller, documentary filmmaker, community activist and a dozen other titles she eschews, Jones has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices and narratives of underground cultures, particularly within heavy metal, punk rock and skateboarding communities.

We spotlight April Jones in honor of Women’s History Month. From the beginning she has been a creator. She recalls crafting homemade music videos on VHS throughout her adventurous teenage years and while hitchhiking to the Bay Area to immerse herself in the vibrant punk scene and skateboarding culture.  

“I grew up in poverty, the oldest of three kids, a single mom. It was very rough but being poor and growing up without money and growing up without the ability to buy equipment or go to school, it shaped me.” Jones says.

After San Francisco, Jones landed in Portland, Oregon, where she truly found her calling. There, she spearheaded the groundbreaking heavy metal public access TV series, Slayed in Oregon, a platform that filled a crucial void by shining a spotlight on independent metal and punk artists often marginalized by mainstream media. 

Reflecting on her early influences, Jones remarks, “Growing up making those homemade music videos was where I discovered my passion for storytelling. I have always been a storyteller. It was raw, DIY, and authentic, and that ethos has stuck with me. I am just really passionate about seeing what all these amazing people are about. Everyone has such an interesting story and I feel that it’s important for other people to know their stories and to help them tell their stories.” 

One of Jones’ most daring endeavors came with her decision to delve into the controversial world of The Mentors, a notorious shock rock band. Despite warnings about the band’s notoriety, Jones fearlessly embarked on creating her first feature-length documentary, The Mentors Rockumentary: Kings of Sleaze, shedding light on the band’s provocative history and challenging societal perceptions of freedom of speech. 

“As a documentary filmmaker, my goal is to delve into the untold stories, to peel back the layers and reveal the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or controversial it may be,” says Jones. “I lived in Portland, Oregon for 20 years and when I realized I needed more sunshine in my life, I moved to San Pedro. I had done some film work down in LA and I’ve been skateboarding for over thirty years, so it was only natural to live next to a skatepark and Channel Street Skatepark is globally one of the best in the world.”

When the skatepark ran into bureaucratic red tape the story came to Jones’ attention and she began to ask questions. “I’ve been called a hellraiser, but to me that’s a good thing. That means I’m asking questions and demanding answers,” she says. “DIY skateparks are where the re-birth of skateboarding began in the mid two thousands and channel street is iconic. Those guys who built it saw a need and really stepped up for the community. This is a destination DIY skatepark and a huge reason a lot of people come here,” she says. 

Jones shows off her skills at Channel Street Skatepark. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala

Her mission of advocacy through filmmaking is gaining attention. Notably with her project, Concrete Law: Saving Channel Street Skatepark. This documentary chronicles the seven-year battle between San Pedro’s Channel Steet DIY skatepark and bureaucratic forces, offering a poignant portrayal of grassroots communities fighting for their space and rights. 

“The struggle to preserve Channel Street Skatepark is emblematic of the broader fight for creative spaces in our cities,” Jones explains. “It’s about more than just skateboarding; it’s about defending the right to self-expression and community-driven initiatives.”

Jones’ impact extends beyond the realm of filmmaking, working as a production designer, art director, and set dresser. “I worked on shows like Little People Big World. Did commercial work for Mazda, Red Bull and Google. I have 20 years work in corporate film and about 18 years in the film industry. I think so far, overall, I’ve made over 45 short documentaries and two feature length films,” says Jones.

“For me, it’s not just about making films; it’s about fostering a community and inspiring others to tell their own stories,” Jones affirms.

Reflecting on her journey, Jones acknowledges the myriad challenges she has faced, from financial hardship to personal struggles. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that adversity breeds growth and that every obstacle is an opportunity for learning and resilience. 

“The road hasn’t always been easy, but every setback has ultimately propelled me forward,” she reflects. “It’s a reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest of challenges.”

Deeply enamored with Los Angeles, April Jones draws profound inspiration from the city’s rich tapestry of diversity, a mosaic not only of demographics but also of ideas and viewpoints. Immersed in its vibrant cultural milieu, she finds herself invigorated by the myriad voices and narratives that intersect and intertwine in this sprawling metropolis. 

Yet, amid the city’s kaleidoscope of creativity, Jones remains acutely aware of the bureaucratic obstacles that often impede the aspirations of artists and visionaries. With a keen eye for social justice, she fearlessly confronts these challenges, advocating for policies and initiatives that nurture and support the flourishing of artistic expression and innovation within the city’s dynamic landscape.

“Los Angeles is a city teeming with creativity and innovation, but it’s also plagued by red tape and obstacles,” Jones laments. “Supporting local and underground movements is crucial in ensuring that our city remains a hub of artistic expression and cultural diversity.”

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, April Jones is a San Pedro symbol of empowerment and progress. Through her fearless filmmaking and unwavering advocacy Jones is committed to amplifying disempowered voices. 

“I hope to inspire others, especially women, to embrace their passions, defy expectations and make their voices heard,” Jones concludes. “Together, we can create a world where everyone’s story is valued and celebrated.” She has not only captured the essence of underground cultures but has also challenged societal norms and advocated for social change. 

Her dedication to shedding light on the stories of independent artists and grassroots communities has no doubt been instrumental in reshaping the cultural landscape.