Coke Daniels (born Damon Daniels) is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer known for creating independent films that blend social commentary with urban comedy and drama. Daniels first gained industry recognition as a writer and co-producer on the Miramax comedy My Baby’s Daddy (2004), starring Eddie Griffin, Anthony Anderson, and Michael Imperioli. He quickly transitioned into directing, helming the cult urban comedy Who Made the Potatoe Salad? (2006) starring Jaleel White, followed by the hip-hop mockumentary Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary (2007). Daniels continued to build his independent film résumé with projects such as Highway (2012), Parking Lot Pimpin’ (2013), Hollywont (2013), and the relationship drama His, Hers & the Truth (2019), establishing himself as a writer-director working across comedy, urban drama, and independent features.

In the early 2020s Daniels expanded his visibility with several feature projects, including Fruits of the Heart (2021) and the controversial social-satire thriller Karen (2021) starring Taryn Manning and Cory Hardrict. The film sparked widespread conversation online and received multiple nominations at the 42nd Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.

Daniels’ most celebrated work to date came with the drama The Waterboyz (2024), starring Omar Dorsey, Quavo, La La Anthony, and Rockmond Dunbar. The film premiered at the American Black Film Festival and earned Daniels the Best Director Jury Award, marking a major milestone in his career and recognition within the independent film community.

Over the course of his career, Daniels has worked as a writer, director, and producer across multiple independent projects while maintaining a distinctive voice rooted in urban culture and social issues. As of February 2026, he remains active in independent filmmaking following the success of The Waterboyz, continuing to develop new film and television projects while expanding his presence on the festival circuit and in Black independent cinema.