Janessa St. Pierre

Biography: Janessa St. Pierre is an award-winning Black, Queer filmmaker, deeply rooted in the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) 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. Janessa's multi-faceted experience ranges from Production Designer and Set Dresser to Production Assistant, Art Assistant, and Director's Assistant for Mimi Cave. She’s 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 Burt's Bees. Earning her first writing credit for a short film produced during her tenure at Capilano University, Janessa's "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. Janessa's 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. 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. 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 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, Janessa's unique voice and dedication to storytelling continues to inspire and break boundaries in the film world.