FILMMAKER BIOGRAPHY
Rhys Ernst (b. 1982) is a mixed media filmmaker, animator, and musician that works with issues of transgender identity, sexuality, and youth culture, through a hybrid form of live action/ stop motion. In his experimental narrative films, Ernst fuses representation of the sexual/gendered Other into populist forms. His films explore the space between stasis and motion and have a playful and cartoonish aesthetic, referencing comic books, lo-fi, and pop culture.
Ernst has spent the early part of his career both in the art world and the entertainment industry; his experience spans positions such as producer/editor at MTV, adjunct professor at Queens College, and president of the jury at a Turkish film festival.
Growing up in the indie rock strong-arm of Chapel Hill, NC, Ernst left high school at 14, turning to alternative education, art, and to “play in a lot of bands”. Ernst received a BA from Hampshire College in 2004 for work in film and "time-based arts" and is currently pursuing an MFA in film/ video at Cal Arts.
Ernst has screened work in Australia, Germany, Hungary, Paris, Portugal, Sweden, Seoul, Toronto, and Turkey as well as all across the US, winning awards from the Chicago International Film Festival, the Princess Grace Foundation, and many others. His work is currently distributed by Frameline (North America), and roARaTorio (Europe).
He currently lives in Los Angeles.