Jesse Williams
Directing
Biography
Jesse Williams is a Brighton-based writer/director, known for her tender, heartfelt and bold stories of LGBTQ+ community. Proud of her identity as a trans woman, she is driven by an aim to represent the unrepresented, to foster empathy through her filmmaking through a visceral and humanist style aiming to combine powerful visual storytelling with raw emotional authenticity. Her prior no-budget shorts One More Song, Henry’s Channel, Till Death Do Us Part and The Sewing Circle have made a splash on the British Festival circuit, gaining the ‘Standout Filmmaker Award’ at Brighton Rocks 2024, alongside ‘Best Director’ (2023) and ‘Best Performance’ (2024) awards at the Brighton 48h Film Challenge. Her most recent short Chaser is her most ambitious, personal and brave short to date, channeling the spirit of contemporary trans cinema through gritty British Social Realism. In addition to Directing, Jesse is often found Script Supervising, or writing for renowned Film Publications such as Directors Notes, Phantasmag and Culture Film.
Known For
When 15-year-old Michael's best friend, Ed, is caught catfishing online, the two navigate the aftermath under the looming pressure of Ed's overbearing mother.
Ed
A visualisation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls', 'The Tide' depicts the Brighton Seafront at three different times, sunset, night and sunrise.
The Tide
When crime journalist Lee McKenzie finds his wife murdered, he uncovers a twisted mystery that forces him to confront his past.
Till Death Do Us Part
At their largest show yet, May, the drummer of rock band 'Surface Tension' takes a bold stand against her abusive band mate by refusing to play for the encore.
One More Song
When Sophia, a trans woman on a night out crosses paths with the seemingly charming Callum, she realises he may not have her best interest at heart...
CHASER
When youthful, Golden-Age starlet Laura Hall shows up late to a secret support group for queer women, a deadly plot is unveiled that threatens the safety of Laura and the group.
The Sewing Circle
How far would you go to follow your dreams? Would you sacrifice your friendship for fame? just to have it all? Well, this cowboy did. This documentary is filled with Toothpicks, moustaches, and heart. Follow Cowboy-Man's journey to realise his dream. There is only one thing stopping him... His Invisible Horse.
Finding Cowboy-Man
The power to decide follows a militia man and his captive, a young soldier, as he battles his heart and morals against the grim realities of war.
The Power to Decide
In a cramped public bathroom, ex-childhood friends Lauren and Katie await the result of Lauren’s pregnancy test. As they discuss the impact of the test results, they discover they may not be quite as different as they thought.
Positive
An archive documentary collating the final few entries of teenager Henry Walduski's online blog.
Henry's Channel
A 4-minute expressionist walk through a misty park, set to the ethereal sounds of Thom Yorke's Dawn Chorus.
Misty Day
British 17-year old Sam struggles to navigate his teenage years while dealing with the pressures of adolescence.