Directing concert film commissioned by Andrew Bird

Xan Aranda
I live in the City That Works and I travel a lot.

I’m directing a new film called Mormons Make Movies, currently in development with Kartemquin Films.

My affiliation with Kartemquin began in January ‘07 after I became one of the producers of now award-winning documentary called Milking the Rhino. The film is a stunning, intimate look at community-based conservation in Kenya and Namibia.

The Chicago Short Film Brigade is a feisty little non-profit organization I founded in ‘06. We present diverse local and international short film programs in cozy environments around the Midwest.

I have served on competition juries for the Chicago International Film Festival, Hugo Television Awards, and Illinois Humanities Council, among others.

I’ve lectured at both the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College (where I recently served as advisor for their short film competition).

In recent years I produced music videos (“Imitosis” and “Lull), live show projections and DVD content for this kid.

My 12-year history of collaborative work includes all flavors and sizes of visual goods – including short films, feature films, and even the occasional variety show.

I spent ten years in California before moving to western China for a while. I’ve had adventures all over the world and lived part-time on a farm near the Mississippi river. New York City flirts regularly- when there, I walk for hours. West coast will always have its hold. Illinois loans the girl out for now.

CV and Reel Available Upon Request