10 Trans Filmmakers You Should Know

With the recent news that Scarlett Johansson was casted to play a trans man in an upcoming film, it's become clear that trans actors and filmmakers are often overlooked. The following 10 trans filmmakers know what it takes to produce catchy content and award-winning films. It's time that Hollywood invests in trans talent (and no we don't mean Scar Jo)

1. AJ Mattioli

AJ has been working in the entertainment industry for the last 16 years. AJ's most recent work is a film called "Words," which was recently released on Amazon. AJ's upcoming film projects incude a cult horror film "Killer Unicorn," a suspenseful thriller titled "Role of a Lifetime," a love story "Neon Boys," and his newest Docu-series "My First Time."

2. Ariel Mahler

Ariel (they/them) is a nonbinary trans filmmaker, producer, AD, and a queer/trans rights advocate. Last month, Ariel released "Bad Ally," which tells the story of a white nonbinary trans person and a black cisgender heterosexual woman. Ariel is also the co-producer and assistant director of Death and Bowling, an LA-based feature film that is set within the world of an older women's bowling league.

3. Emmett Lundberg

Emmett (emmettjack.com) recently won the "Triple Threat Auteur" Award from the Toronto Webfest. His series BROTHERS was one of Indiewire’s 10 Best Indie TV Series and has screened at the New Orleans Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and LA Film Festival, among others. He lives in Brooklyn with his creative partner.

4. Giselle Bleuz

Giselle began her filmmaking career four years ago as a youth producer in Global Action Project's SupaFriends LGBTQ youth media making program. Since then, Giselle has written, directed, and acted in four short films and has directed & acted in a total of six. Giselle is currently creating her own production company called “Trans Resistance Through Media” along with GAP, with the goal of focusing on trans experiences in the justice system.

5. Harper Michelle Shecter

Harper has over 30+ awards and selections for her films. Her films have screened at festivals such as TIFF, LA Cinefest, Hampton Intl', Hollyshorts, and the short film corner at Cannes. Her credits include "The Dark Below," "Mimesis: A Symphony of Horror," "Model No. Human", and "Five Windows."

6. Jake Graf

Jake has written and directed 5 award-winning films, including Brace, Chance, Headspace, and Dusk. "Headspace" was a viral hit with 3.7 million views in 2017; "Dusk" has won 29 Best Short Film awards internationally and was selected by the Tribeca Film Festival for their United Airlines In-Flight Entertainment Program.

7. Jamie DiNicola

Jamie is an award-winning director and producer. His short narrative film “Spot" was selected as a semi-finalist in LA CineFest, and was an official selection of Newark Film Festival, Rahway Film Festival, Full Bloom Film Festival, Gender Reel Film Festival, and PopUp Anthology. Jamie also directed and produced the film, "What's in a Name,” a short documentary about his personal transition and its effects on both himself and his family.

8. Nyala Moon

Nyala directed and produced "NOVA," a short film about a black trans women exploring the intersections of her life. In the fall of 2017, Nyala helped direct and produce "Bad Ally," a ground-breaking web series. Nyala ended 2017 with her second short film, "Two Trans Women," which is in post-production. Nyala is currently working on her third short film, "Cold Cornbread."

9. Seven King

Seven is the Director & Writer of Eden’s Garden, a scripted series that covers the lives of seven trans male best friends. Seven also produced a film called "Rebirth of Paris," a documentary told from the perspective of Ballroom's new generation. Seven's latest feature film is called "Nightfall," set to begin production soon.

10. Tony Zosherafatain

Tony is the Director of "I am the T", a documentary series that investigates trans stories around the world. I am the T was selected to the Emerging Lens, Thessaloniki LGBTQ, My True Colors, and Gender Reel Film Festivals, along with a semi-finalist status in the Shanghai Queer Film Fest. Tony's latest documentary, "Trans in Trumpland," will explore the everyday realities facing transgender Americans since Trump has taken office.