Theophilus Jamal

Hailing from Waukegan, Illinois (hometown of both Ray Bradbury and Jack Benny), Theophilus' "baptism of film" occured in 1977 when he shot his first Super-8 film with friends from rival gangs; the assembly turned into a riot consequently dispersed by the police. A multi-talented filmmaker, Theophilus ardently supports local non-profit and community-based organizations by conducting media workshops for urban youth. Having worked for several prestigious film festivals (Sundance, SXSW, Chicago Int'l Film Festival), he serves on the advising board of AmetFest, named in honor of forgotten film pioneer/inventor Edward Amet, and FAN Fest, Chicago's premiere Filipino film festival.