Tessa E. Osborne
Directing
Biography
Tessa Osborne is an award-winning photojournalist/ film director based in Michigan’s Capital City. Born in Changsha, China, and adopted and raised in Michigan. Osborne studied Journalism and Documentary Production at Michigan State University. She spent most of her time reporting, editing podcasts, shooting documentaries, and managing news staff. Osborne is known for co-directing 'Volador' which has garnered recognition both across the nation and internationally. Osborne currently works as a full-time Creative Services Producer at WILX News 10. Previous to this role she has edited promotional videos for non-profits and wrote list articles for The Collider. Her mission as a filmmaker is to uplift women of color by telling their stories. She hopes to be one of the many successful women in film and add nuances to the ideas we have about womanhood/girlhood.
Known For
Fretail is an observational film that tells the story of The Fretail Store, a first of its kind retail store in a mall where everything is free. Started by Mike Karl, a man who himself was once homeless, the store is so popular, it creates a rift between Karl and the mall owners that may ultimately prove devastating.
Fretail
'Volador' explores the power of acceptance. Mateo, an 18 year old from Mexico, fights his way through challenges that arise in a place (Grand Rapids) he would describe as dull. He works as a part-time cashier and commercial photographer for Supermercado Mexico. While living in a house that's constantly throwing parties, he feels lost and is tempted to leave his dreams for America behind by retreating back to Morelia, Mexico. With the help of his friends Aliyah (Gabi Salazar) and Dbo (Brian Shannon) he finds a new perspective.
Volador
The Moistest Museum is a short documentary that takes the audience into on of the most peculiar museums in the heart of East Lansing, MI. A museum dedicated to moist towelettes from across the world.