Jess Blackwell is a queer British-Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker operating out of Hamilton and Toronto, Canada. As the founder of Lumida Productions, she is passionate about bringing to life women-led narratives that are as thought provoking as they are engaging.

Thematically, Jess loves to examine the core of what it means to be human. With a background in philosophy, she continues to find themes such as identity, communication, self-development, interpersonal (dis)connection, and the creation of meaning and purpose especially compelling. As a director, Jess loves to combine grounded, nuanced performances with supernatural elements and more than a dash of humor.

Jess has won several awards for her on-screen performances, while the films she has produced and written have also received accolades, including best film nominations and wins. She is the Communications Manager and Membership Chair for WebSeries Canada, as well as the Head Programmer for T.O. Webfest, and is an active mentor in her local community.

Jess is a vegan, avid environmentalist, and active journalist who regularly volunteers with local film and environmental organizations.