In 1996 Mikki made his directorial debut with the independent feature film Shoe Shine Boys . Academy Award-winning actor Martin Landau signed on as Executive Producer, traveling with the film as it toured the festival circuit, winning numerous awards and praise from top critics. The film's innovative visual style attracted the attention of major record labels and launched Mikki's career as a music video director. His first video was nominated for a Premio lo Nuestro, the Latin equivalent of an MTV Music Award. From there, Mikki went on to direct more than 45 breakthrough Spanish-language music videos.

September 11th, 2001 marked the turning point in Mikki's life and career. Having been inside the twin towers just hours before they fell, he helped to organize and lead a group of civilians who risked their lives to aid rescue workers. It was on the rubble of the World Trade Center that his life was forever changed. On his return to Los Angeles, he began laying the foundation for his life's mission by founding Elevate Films, Elevate Foundation, and Elevate Film Festival, which challenge the international film community to create works of social and global importance. For this, Mikki Willis received the 2008 Conscious Life Humanitarian Award.