Riles Lamar Hinson
Directing
Biography
Riles Lamar Hinson (born August 16, 2004) is an American filmmaker, actor, and singer. Graduating from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul with a degree in film, he has often worked with fellow students on projects even after graduation. Most notably, he co-directed "Unsuitable" (2023) and "GLARE" (2025) with frequent collaborators: Ian Porter and Landon Groen. Riles's films have won multiple awards at a handful of film festivals. In 2023, "Unsuitable" won the Audience Choice, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor Awards at the Five16 Film Festival. In 2024, his solo directorial debut (for short films), "Entropy" won the Best Cinematography Award at the Five16 Film Festival and the Best Narrative Short Award at the Intercollegiate Film Festival put on by the Twin Cities Film Festival. Riles currently works as a filmmaker on staff at River Valley Church in Minnesota. He is also working on building his freelance portfolio, with hopes to direct more films in the near future. In 2026, he acted in a film directed by Ian Porter, "CASH OUT!" which has been accepted into two film festivals so far.
Known For
An FBI agent rebelliously seeks revenge on his wife's killer.
GLARE
A food-fanatic spy attempts to steal top secret information from some bad guys.
Unsuitable
When faced with a series of overwhelming events, a closed off, up and coming singer must decide whether or not to accept the help of his new friend.
Entropy
A young grocery store clerk unintentionally confides in his customers for love advice.
The Checkout
As high school sweethearts, Peter and Annie, prepare to attend different colleges after graduation, they feel the intense social pressures to make their relationship last. After being questioned thoroughly at Peter's going away party, they must trust what they’ve built or leave it behind.
Can't Live Without
Facing a dangerous debt, a young man finds himself risking everything while his friend prepares to cross a line to protect him.