J. Christian Jensen
Introduction (2-3 lines)
J. Christian Jensen is an Oscar® Nominated filmmaker and educator whose storytelling explores the tensions between political ideology, science, religion, modernization and traditional values. He seeks out intimate, human stories that provide insight into larger social movements and institutions. Jensen is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Christian believes that storytelling can be a powerful force to bridge gaps between opposing beliefs and ideas. His recent work has screened throughout the world – winning over a dozen jury awards. His film White Earth, completed at Stanford University, received a 2015 Academy Award® Nomination and played at over 50 festivals around the world as well as universities such as Stanford, Yale, UC Berkeley, Duke, and Brown. As a speaker, Jensen has lectured at schools, community groups, and universities and he has also addressed audiences at TEDx.
Christian began working in media over ten years ago as a journalist – a passion that evolved into work as a documentary filmmaker. He spent several years working on fiction and non-fiction productions including ones for National Geographic Film & Television, PBS FRONTLINE and American Experience. Having lived or worked in Brazil, China, and India, Christian is also interested in films that explore areas of rapid modernization and economic expansion. He’s a graduate of Stanford University’s Documentary Film program and currently resides in the Chicago area teaching within Northwestern's MFA in Documentary Media program.
