Cauleen Smith (born September 25, 1967) is an American born filmmaker and multimedia artist.
She is best known for her experimental works that address the African-American identity, specifically the issues facing black women today.
Her rise into the spotlight first occurred with her much acclaimed feature film Drylongso earning her national recognition as a filmmaker.
Her film style reflects the influence of her college mentors Angela Davis, Trinh T.
Minh-ha, and Lynn Hershman Leeson.
Having resided for seven years in Chicago, where she has worked on multiple projects that explore the life of renowned jazz musician Sun Ra, Smith decided that she would be leaving for Los Angeles in November 2017.
Smith currently teaches in the School of Art at the California Institute of the Arts.