Charissa King  

Charissa King has been making nonfiction films and videos since 1999 as an independent documentary filmmaker in Boston, Chicago and now based in Ithaca, NY. She received a M.F.A. in Film, Video and New Media from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Charissa's first film, In My Father's Church, (2004), is an autobiographical film which follows the story of Charissa wanting to get married to her partner in her minister father's conservative church. It has shown at festivals and conferences internationally and is being distributed through Women Make Movies. Her second film, Over the Moon, (2010), follows the journey of Charissa and her partner attempting to get pregnant. Over the Moon has been shown in festivals worldwide and won a Documentary Feature Award. Her third film, The Paper Mirror, (2012), captures a pivotal collaboration between two influential artists, painter Riva Lehrer and graphic novelist Alison Bechdel (Dykes to Watch Out For, Fun Home). Lehrer completes a compelling portrait of Bechdel as both artists explore new & unexpected terrain. THE PAPER MIRROR has toured around the country at various film festivals and is being distributed through Frameline. Charissa has won three Community Arts Assistance Program grants from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council. Charissa'ss fourth film, set in Chicago, is currently in production. She also produces creative short videos for a local university and enjoys taking abstract photos of the local landscape, spending time with family, and practicing yoga. (07/19)