Open Screen

FILMMAKER BIOS:

Juvian Hernandez Originally from Texas, Juvian Hernandez is an improviser and actor that moved to Minneapolis in 2019. He makes short comedy videos online and performs live with ComedySportz Twin Cities and American Immersion Theater. You can also catch him at various coffee shops minding his own business. Film: What is Improv? 

Reyna Rios-Starr (Reyna Rios) is an indie film producer and actor living and working in Minnesota. Reyna has acted in over 40 short films in the Twin Cities since 2012. In 2021, Reyna produced her first short film project; Searchlight, by writer/director Owen Royce. She has gone on to produce several other projects for local twin cities filmmakers including most recently; writer/director Neil Tuli and writer/director Tahiel Jimenez Medina. Her hope is to continue to work both in front and behind the camera that support local filmmaker's vision, from creative stories to personal experiences. Film: Ave Maria 

Rozack Sowemimo Nigerian filmmaker Rozack Sowemimo, currently based in Saint Paul, has honed his narrative storytelling abilities over many years. Initially a portrait and street photographer, Sowemimo has seamlessly integrated his talent for visually striking images with a passion for in-depth storytelling, drawing inspiration from icons like Spike Lee and Donald Glover. Delving into the intersection of the Afro-human experience and self expressionism, his goal is to shift the spotlight onto traditional societal black norms, with a focus on telling authentic black stories for a black audience. Film: Moments Alone 

AlysshaRose Jordan-Bird is a director/producer/actor from Minneapolis, MN, who followed in the footsteps of her mother, a pioneering Black female producer, to become a filmmaker. AlysshaRose graduated from Minneapolis Community and Technical College with an Associate Degree in Cinema Directing and has directed and produced films for the 48 Hour Film Festival, the Z-Fest Film Festival, the City of Minneapolis, CONvergence CVG-TV, and more. Her latest film, Jimpardy was selected for the LA Punk Film Festival and The Make Believe Seattle Film Festival. Additionally, AlysshaRose was a programmer for the Midwest Sci-Fi Short Film Festival. AlysshaRose is also an improviser, most recently performing with the troupesLast Action Movie and Blackout in Minneapolis. Film: Jimpardy 

Kelsey Peterson is a dancer, writer, filmmaker, and sensuality enthusiast. She finds that her choreographic background lends to the art of storytelling. She is the writer and director of the documentary feature Move Me and the YouTube series My So-Quad Life. Kelsey hopes to continue using storytelling - in its many artistic forms - as a vehicle for healing and change.  Film: Get Ready With Me