Jilann Spitzmiller is a multifaceted creative force who has carved out a remarkable career in the realm of film, boasting an impressive repertoire that encompasses directing, writing, and producing both fictional and non-fictional cinematic endeavors.
With an impressive array of over 20 accolades to her name, garnered for her exceptional feature documentary work, she has unequivocally solidified her position as a formidable presence in the film industry, commanding respect and admiration from her peers and audiences alike.
Her extensive body of work has been met with widespread critical acclaim, serving as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft, her innovative storytelling techniques, and her unrelenting passion for bringing powerful narratives to life on the big screen.
Jilann's recent acceptance into Sundance Co//ab's prestigious television writing track, specifically the dramedy series program, serves as a resounding validation of her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to her craft. This esteemed opportunity has granted her the privilege of collaborating one-on-one with a highly acclaimed executive producer and showrunner, allowing her to refine and hone her pilot script to an even higher level of excellence.
Jilann Spitzmiller, a renowned film director, had a distinguished tenure as the Head of Nonfiction at Meow Wolf, a position that allowed her to showcase her exceptional leadership skills and artistic vision. During her time at Meow Wolf, she directed the feature film Meow Wolf: Origin Story, a critically acclaimed project that received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film's impressive 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes remained unbroken for an astonishing six months, a testament to its enduring popularity. The film's release in over 600 theaters across the country was met with great fanfare, following a thrilling premiere at the prestigious SXSW festival.
Jilann Spitzmiller, a renowned documentary filmmaker, has garnered significant support from a multitude of esteemed organizations, including the Independent Television Service (ITVS),the Sundance Institute, and numerous other philanthropic foundations, for her remarkable body of work in the documentary genre.
Her impressive credits include the cult classic "Shakespeare Behind Bars", which made its world premiere in competition at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, with funding provided by the Sundance Institute, BBC Storyville, and ITVS.
Jilann's filmography boasts a diverse array of critically acclaimed works, including the award-winning features Still Dreaming and Homeland, which garnered widespread recognition and national exposure on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Notably, Homeland was handpicked for ITVS' True Stories, a prestigious curated series that embarked on a global journey to showcase authentic American narratives. Jilann's work has been featured on a multitude of prominent platforms, including NBC, BBC, POV, Al Jazeera, CBC, Canal+, VH1, Discovery, and numerous other prominent networks around the world.
Jilann Spitzmiller has not only demonstrated her expertise as a director and writer of documentary series, but has also showcased her versatility by creating content for renowned networks like Discovery and NBC. Her impressive portfolio extends to directing and shooting episodic content for popular channels such as Bravo and A&E, solidifying her reputation as a skilled and adaptable filmmaker.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Jilann has taken on a mentorship role, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring producers at esteemed institutions and events. These opportunities have included labs and festivals such as the Latino Producers Academy, AFI Docs, Berkeley Advanced Media Institute, and Oregon Doc Camp, where she has had the chance to inspire and guide the next generation of documentary creators.
