Ash Verwiel is a trans & queer filmmaker originally from the Netherlands, who received their BA in Cinema from San Francisco State University. His documentary & personal experimental work is reflexive and strives to elevate the voices of those who have felt invisible. Verwiel also works as freelance video editor for people such as Edward Gunawan, Rashaad Newsome, and production company Persistent Visions.

SFSU’s Queer Cinema Project supports creators of LGBTQ+ film through the annual Barbara Hammer Award, received in 2019. Recently circulating the queer festival circuit, Heart Whispers (2020) & Unboxing (2021) are the first two chapters of a trilogy exploring his coming of age journey, finding his identity as a trans person. He often excavates such topics of rebirth and belonging in his films.

In May of 2021, Verwiel was granted the Marcus Culminating Funds by SFSU, towards completion & distribution of Unboxing (2021) – out now. They’re currently in production of Chapter III of the trilogy.