Jay Lape
Directing
Biography
Jay Lape is a Chicago-based filmmaker whose work frequently explores masculinity, grief, change, and the fragile dynamics that bind people together. Whether directing or shaping the visual language of a story, he brings a distinct and emotionally grounded vision to every film. His projects, including the psychological drama Brothers, the meditative Grove #15, and the poetic Roots, examine raw human emotion through striking imagery and atmospheric storytelling. Constantly evolving as an artist, he continues to craft films that are both visually bold and deeply personal. Outside of filmmaking, Jay loves discovering new music, hunting down the best soft pretzels in whatever city he’s in, and traveling to new places for creative inspiration. These moments away from set often spark new ideas and help shape the tone and rhythm of his stories.
Known For
A man tries to save his family from the throes of poverty by investing their savings into speculative cryptocurrencies. His life soon becomes an anxiety-inducing nightmare as his investment strategy turns into a full-blown gambling addiction.
$POSITIONS
A cautious teen struggles to pull his reckless brother back from the edge, but as their turbulent night unfolds, he's forced to question whether some wounds can ever truly heal.
Brothers
When Josie gets a text from her crush Jake, she must gather her closest friends to form the perfect response back.
"Heyy" With Two Y's or One?
A short film following a struggling addict's isolated journey towards recovery
The Nod
After two stoners play with a Ouija board in order to cure their boredom, they’re thrusted into disarray as their food mysteriously starts disappearing.
The Hunger
Adam has had a long day and wants to go home.
What A Day
After the rise in popularity of a pill that allows you to experience love on command, a young man becomes addicted as he struggles to recover from an intense breakup.
Pharmakon
Seventeen-year-old Lydia attempts to enjoy her last summer of high school with her friends and boyfriend, but a complicated secret changes the trajectory of her relationships.
Hot August
Two delivery drivers confront their companies new quota head-on in a battle of loyalty versus aspiration.