About 

Named "one of Portland's most distinct creative voices," Dawn Jones Redstone (she/they) is a queer, Mexican American writer/director whose films are known for their emotional resonance, imaginative storytelling, and a commitment to centering women of color. As a Mexican American filmmaker and granddaughter of cotton pickers, her work pays tribute to those who came before while insisting on the visibility and humanity of Latine people in a country that too often erases them. Currently in development on the absurdist dramedy feature Nina Reyes and the Feeling Machine, Dawn creates films that explore resistance, emotion as spirituality, and identity.

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A self-taught filmmaker, she came to directing after years as a union carpenter, her award-winning feature film Mother of Color raised $200K through creative producing and is now streaming on major platforms, continuing to resonate with audiences for its cultural relevance and depth. Her first short film Sista in the Brotherhood won numerous awards, was distributed by Collective Eye, purchased by the U.S. Department of Labor, and tweeted about by Oregon's Governor.

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Dawn is the founder of Hearts+Sparks Productions, a sole proprietor, equity-driven production company that collaborates with community-minded organizations and companies to deliver stories with a cinematic voice. As a commercial director, Dawn has brought her narrative sensibility to brand storytelling, balancing her independent film work with professional directing experience.

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Her films are rooted in cinema as an empathy machine, having seen how storytelling has the power to heal and connect, as much as educate and challenge. Her short film Dirteater is currently in development as a proof of concept for a feature-length supernatural drama, partially funded by the Milagro Theater. Her proof-of-concept short The Feelings Project explores emotional rehabilitation through the absurd, with her signature blend of heart and surrealism.

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A speaker and educator, Dawn serves as a mentor for Women in Film PDX, and previously taught for Portland Film Festival and Desert Island Studios. She uses her hiring decisions to elevate underrepresented voices, helping to bring much-needed perspective to both the film industry and the world we live in.

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She lives in Portland, Oregon, building a career rooted in bold vision, community, and heart.