Jonas Durnell
Directing
Biography
Jonas Riley Durnell (born November 22, 2006) is an American film director, writer, cinematographer, editor, composer, producer and actor. He grew up moving back and forth between Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Warsaw, Indiana. During this time, Durnell would sketch comics, short stories, and even novellas. His mother, a graphic designer, and his father, a musician, encouraged his artistic spirit. In November of 2016, he created a YouTube channel entitled JonasDuder, where he created short video content until May of 2019. Durnell went on to direct his first short film, 'Detective Andrew: Da Movie', which premiered on July 5, 2020. Durnell attended Canterbury High School in 2021, where he joined the school's 'Arts Academy'. Over the next several years, he completed three short films for the program: 'Jump Across', 'The Weird Weekend' and 'The Fracture'. In 2024, he wrote, directed, edited and shot the noir featurette 'Dressed For Crime'. Durnell was then admitted into the School of Filmmaking at University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2025. That year, he turned out the original short films 'Biophilia', 'Last Summer', and 'Absence', as well as his UNCSA fall short film 'Frisbee in the Rain'.
Known For
Unable to become sober, a man consumes a substance that allows him to communicate with dead people.
Paranormal Dependence
A boy awakens to find himself bonding with nature and engaging in simpler activities.
Biophilia
A solitary detective tackles a murder case after the victim's brother testifies as a witness. Due to the mysterious nature of the crime, he calls upon another detective in his local force for assistance.
Dressed For Crime
Two brothers must rush their friend to the hospital after he sustains an accidental knee injury from trying a forbidden substance.
The Fracture
A brief documentary showcasing fleeting vignettes of summertime magic.
Last Summer
Unable to play a game of frisbee with his upbeat friend, a downtrodden young man buys an object from a sinister force in an effort to regain his happiness.
Frisbee in the Rain
His job interview at stake, Jerry, a reserved man, must survive the waiting room with two other men of varying egos.
Egomaniacs
A wildly hyper wannabe-detective must rescue his beloved dog from his friend-turned-nemesis.
Detective Andrew: Da Movie
When a family photo strip suddenly appears inside a young man's apartment closet, he can't help but reminisce...but how did it get there?
Absence
A man longs for connection, he can never reach it
Walls.
Mario Marinara must investigate the death of a man and his only witness is a tricky, ping pong playing ghost name d Jacques Pingus.