Janessa St. Pierre

Janessa St Pierre is an awardwinning Black Queer filmmaker deeply rooted in the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəyəm Musqueam Skwxwú7mesh Squamish and SəlílwətaʔSelilwitulh TsleilWaututh Nations With a foundation in Film Studies from Concordia University and a diploma in Motion Picture Arts from Capilano University her cinematic journey began in 2017 and has since flourished across various roles in the Vancouver film industry Janessas multifaceted experience ranges from Production Designer and Set Dresser to Production Assistant Art Assistant and Directors Assistant for Mimi Cave Shes contributed to a variety of Shorts Features Music Videos and Commercials including critically acclaimed projects like The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open and FRESH as well as commercial ventures for brands like London Drugs and Burts Bees Earning her first writing credit for a short film produced during her tenure at Capilano University Janessas Think Again went on to win Best Short at the IGen Youth Festival in Miami This early success set the stage for her evolving role as a Director and a storyteller Janessas most recent venture Hair or No Hair is a testament to her growing prowess This short film part of the Black Creators Edition Grant 2022 awarded by TELUS StoryHive and the Black Screen Office has garnered significant acclaim It was a double winner at the Micheaux Film Festival and LA Shorts Festival and was also nominated for the prestigious Panavision Best Short award at Micheaux As a testament to her continued growth and potential Janessa has been selected for the coveted VIFF catalyst mentorship program for 2023 With a distinctive voice and a passionate commitment to storytelling Janessa St Pierre continues to make her mark in the world of film pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences Awardwinning Black Queer filmmaker Janessa St Pierre rooted in the Musqueam Squamish and TsleilWaututh Nations has made her mark in the Vancouver film industry since 2017 A Concordia and Capilano alumna Janessa has experience in various roles including Production Designer Set Dresser and Directors Assistant Her varied body of work includes Shorts Features Music Videos and Commercials with notable projects like The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open and FRESH Janessas first writing credit the short film Think Again won the Best Short at the IGen Youth Festival in Miami Her most recent film Hair or No Hair part of the Black Creators Edition Grant 2022 by TELUS StoryHive and the Black Screen Office was a double winner at the Micheaux Film Festival and LA Shorts Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Panavision Best Short award at Micheaux It will be screening at Slamdance 2024 and the Pan African Film Festival 2024 Selected for the esteemed VIFF catalyst mentorship program for 2023 Janessas unique voice and dedication to storytelling continues to inspire and break boundaries in the film world