Jessica J. Rowlands is an award-winning British writer and director whose work blends cinematic ambition with emotionally resonant storytelling.

Jessica's childhood was split between the UK and Zimbabwe, an experience that continues to shape her perspective and filmmaking. She is drawn to bold stories about outsiders, resilience and human connection, combining visually ambitious filmmaking with deeply emotional character-driven storytelling.

Her debut short film, RISE, premiered at the Tribeca Festival, becoming the first Zimbabwean film ever selected by the festival before qualifying for Academy Award consideration. The film has since won more than 40 international awards, including multiple Best Director honours and The Young director award at cannes lions, and has been championed by artists including Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu and Misan Harriman.

Jessica is currently attached to direct her debut feature, from her own screenplay, produced by Andrew Lazar (American Sniper, 10 Things I Hate About You), and is also co-writing an animated feature with an Academy Award-winning writer-director.

Alongside her filmmaking, Jessica founded a Zimbabwe-based arts initiative supporting emerging filmmakers across Southern Africa, championing artistic expression in young people. Through the success of RISE, she has also helped fund the construction of an orphanage in her hometown in zimbabwe, reflecting her belief that storytelling can create meaningful change both on and off screen.

Outside filmmaking, Jessica is happiest in the ocean or the mountains. She is a surfer, advanced scuba diver and former shark researcher, 2x law graduate and was once the fastest British woman to complete the Polar Circle Marathon. She also loves woodworking and pottery - anything that involves making something with her hands. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Jessica is endlessly drawn to adventure, curiosity and the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.