Matt Brookens

Matt Brookens hails from the land of Lincoln and corn dogs, Springfield, Illinois. It was here that Brookens and younger brother, Greg, began cooking up movie ideas to kill the boredom of living in perhaps the most normal city in the country. Even as "tweens" the Brookens brothers were writing, directing, shooting and editing their comically twisted movies about murder, drugs and monkeys. Unsatisfied with the fine art degree he was pursuing in Springfield, Matt moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College, where he earned his BA in film in 1999. Together, the Brookens brothers have completed scads of short films and won heaps of awards. Films like Roni vs. Lincoln, Of Bass and Men, and perhaps most noticeably Skunk Ape!? have all garnered awards and praise on the festival circuit. Skunk Ape!? achieved distribution through Troma Entertainment in 2004 after winning "Best of Tromadance." Most recently, Matt has completed principle photography of his first feature, The Art of Pain: a dark comedy/action HD project. Matt also recently illustrated a kid's book called I Have Five Senses, and works as a graphic artist to pay the rent. To fulfill his rock needs, Matt wails on guitar in Chicago nerd-punk sextet, Dr. Killbot. Matt enjoys chilled hostess cherry pies and watching meerkats.