Bio

Award-winning Black, Queer filmmaker Janessa St. Pierre, rooted in the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh 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 Director’s Assistant and Director. 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”.

Janessa’s 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 winner at the Micheaux Film Festival and LA Shorts Festival, and was nominated for the prestigious Panavision “Best Short” award at Micheaux. It also won the coveted “Spirit Award” at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. It also screened at SLAMDANCE 2024 and PAFF (Pan African Film Festival 2024).

Selected for the esteemed VIFF catalyst mentorship program for 2023, Janessa’s unique voice and dedication to storytelling continues to inspire and break boundaries.

Intro

I’m looking to find steady, contract based work. I’ve been working in the industry for about 8 years now, straight out of Film School. I’ve worked many years as a Production Assistant and transitioned to doing Art Department work including Set Decorating and Dressing for commercials, music videos and films. I recently in the last 3 years transitioned to Directing, Writing and Acting (full time) OR at least trying that! However, I really enjoy working as a Personal Assistant for Directors, Cast, Producers etc… I have plenty of experience in that work and am happy to do it!