Monique Morton Derouselle is a Louisiana born and bred interdisciplinary artist who's artistic approach is to "root for everybody Black" by showing honest, nuanced depictions of Black folks that's rarely seen on screen.

Monique received her BA in Mass Communications from Southern University Baton Rouge, her MFA in Writing from California State University Los Angeles, and improvisational training at The Second City Hollywood. Monique has been in the film industry since 2009 and has worked on both sides of the camera.

She is a writer, director, producer, actor, improviser, a full time middle/ high school theatre teacher, and an avid binge watcher… which she swears is research.  She was a mentee in the inaugural year of Unlock Her Potential, a mentorship program for women of color created by Sofia Chang. Monique is proud to say her mentor is Stefon Bristol, writer/ director of the Netflix film “See You Yesterday”.  With his support and guidance, Monique has developed her first short film “Rising Dawn”, a coming of age sports comedy loosely based on her time as a high school majorette. 

Rising Dawn premiered at the Louisiana Film Prize in October of 2022 and won the Founder's Circle Award from the Judges. Rising Dawn screened at numerous festivals and is still circulating the festival circuit.

Monique's follow up short film, The Candy Lady also premiered at the Louisiana Film Prize in 2024. It sweep the festival winning The Grand Prize Award, The Top 5 Award, The Founders Circle Award, and Best Actress. The Candy Lady is also on the festival circuit allowing Monique to have 2 short films screen at festivals simultaneously.