Activist, filmmaker, and musician, Boots Riley studied film at San Francisco State University before rising to prominence as the frontman of hip-hop groups The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. His debut feature film SORRY TO BOTHER YOU premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, was acquired by Annapurna Pictures, and was released to resounding box office success and widespread critical acclaim.

Fervently dedicated to social change, Boots was deeply involved with the Occupy Oakland movement and was one of the leaders of the activist group The Young Comrades. His book of lyrics and anecdotes, Tell Homeland Security-We Are The Bomb, is out on Haymarket Press.

He is the recipient of the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Feature Film, and SFFILM's Kanbar Award. His most recent work, I'M A VIRGO, is available on Amazon and was nominated for a Gotham Award and 4 Independent Spirit Awards. He is currently working on his next feature film I LOVE BOOSTERS.