Jessica Sanderson (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Te Ātiawa, Pākehā) is a television & film director based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Themes around identity and memory often appear in her work. Jessica is also passionate about working on stories that promote healing and on documentaries that can elevate inspiring voices to influence positive change. She is also a trained designer and passionate about creating beautiful imagery.
Jessica has 10+ years of experience in the television industry in multiple roles. In 2019 she acted on her love for cinema and drama, writing and directing her first NZFC-funded short film – WAYS TO SEE (Sandy Lane Productions). Currently, she is writing her first feature film, supported by mentorship from the 2021 ‘Film Up’ program with Script to Screen. Jessica is passionate about the arts and supporting artists when possible – and has created MUSIC VIDEOS for some of Aotearoa’s most prolific musicians.
Recently, Jessica finished directing MOKO (Velvetstone Media), an 8-part documentary series that explored the modern revival of tā moko (traditional Māori tattooing). Jessica’s commitment to the project, which started in 2018, was motivated by images of her tupuna (nō Heretaunga) wearing facial moko and the hope that it be just as commonplace for future generations.
Jessica has a strong visual aesthetic – heavily influenced by the moody fantasy films of her childhood and contemporary Māori Art. Her own artistic impulses were fostered as a young person by her whānau. Before she realised directing was her path, she had intentions of being an Art Director and trained in ‘Performance Design’ at Massey University & Toi Whakaari (2009). She remains passionate about collaborating with people driven to create powerful imagery. Two of her most recent projects, 'Moko' and 'Ways To See', won cinematography awards for peers Tammy Williams (Ways To See) & Bevan Crothers (Moko). Moko was also a finalist in the 2022 Best Awards for Moving Image, Long Form.
Predominantly a director, Jessica has also held positions as a creative director and editor – working in the promotions and advertising space. Skills she brings to brands, artists and initiatives that promote quality, kaupapa Māori, the environment, or hauora (well-being). Her most recent collaboration involved a partnership with The Spinoff and Te Hiringa Hauora, where she directed and edited a short doco about NGĀ WĀNANGA O HINE KŌPŪ (Finalist 2022 Best Awards – Moving Image, Long Form).
Jessica is currently finishing creative direction for an online offering from Te Tihi o Ruahine, which will share mātauranga on “ADVANCING MĀORI ASPIRATIONS” –which is heavily influenced by 'Whānau Ora', an indigenous and holistic approach to wellbeing.
Jessica also spends her time reviving her visual arts practice, learning te reo Māori and being a māmā. To contact Jessica about potential collaborations – please get in touch with her agent via Dusty Road.
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