- Jesse Harris started his filmmaking career early, writing and directing his first feature when he was 17. He opted against college and used the money to fund his feature that he wrote and directed, which was eventually picked up for US theatrical distribution and by HBO Europe.
In 2007, to support other young filmmakers, Jesse founded NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth), which has grown into the largest and most prestigious youth film festival in the world. Jesse put his filmmaking career on hold for several years to support other young directors and build a premier showcase for aspiring directors.
Variety named Jesse one of 25 talents who transformed youth entertainment and was named one of City Arts Magazine's Top 50 Culture Makers. His feature was shortlisted for the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards 'Someone to Watch' Award and was one of 20 features invited to the 2004 IFP New York Film Market. Jesse's recently been named a Global Shaper, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, built around young entrepreneurs and do-gooders.
Jesse returned to filmmaking in the commercial world, now bringing years of experience crafting beautiful stories for brands. His commercial work has been seen on TV around the world, working with clients such as Volvo, Microsoft, Disney and more.
His 2018 short film, Wind in the Night was one of seven films selected for the 2019 Prix SNCF du Polar in France and picked up for distribution in France, Asia, UK and USA. The film was a proof of concept for his next feature, Borrego.- IMDb mini biography by: Jesse Harris
- Said to be the youngest American to direct a theatrically distributed feature film. Jesse Harris was 17 at the time of directing, 19 when it was released.
- One of 25 individuals honored by Variety in their annual Youth Impact Report. Fellow Impact List members included Danny Boyle, Taylor Lautner, Abigail Breslin, Jordin Sparks and more.
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