Karen Criswell

With history steeped in theatrical and performance art Karen's experience has covered an expanse of creative experiences beginning with an education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, heart of the Cherokee Nation; through a sojourn in productions of social, avant-garde, and political theater in San Francisco; to an extensive tenure as Vice-President of Operations at Dreamworks Studios. Experimentation with visual media began during her tenure as production manager for San Francisco's non-profit company, West Bay Opera, where video projections and visual special effects were used to captivate audiences; replacing the use of costly scenery. From these creative explorations it was an easy leap into the world of film. Karen's early film productions were partnerships and collaborations with other companies. As an original partner in the independent film company, Ce Acatl Productions, Karen produced several film projects including the short film "Libertad", starring Renee Victor, ("Weeds", "Paranormal 5", "A Night in Old Mexico") which aired on PBS and won Ms. Victor critical acclaim at festivals. Moving on to a partnership with Mission From Buddha Productions (now, West River Productions), helmed by Lane Nishikawa; Karen produced a three part series about the 100th/442nd Japanese-American infantry unit that fought in World War II. The two short films starring Mr. Nishikawa, "When We Were Warriors" with Victor Talmadge ("Hidalgo"), and "Forgotten Valor" with Korean film star, Soon Tek-Oh; were partially financed by monies from California Civil Liberties funds and distributed to the educational market. The feature film "Only The Brave" starring such notable actors as Jason Scott Lee ("Dragon: The Brue Lee Story", Lilo & Stitch"), Mark Dacascos ("Iron Chef", "Brotherhood of the Wolf"), Tamlyn Tomita ("Joy Luck Club, "Day After Tomorrow"), Jeff Fahey ("Silverado"), and the late, Pat Morita ("Karate Kid") is available on Netflix. Karen made her directorial debut with the short feature "The Other Side" starring Native American actors, Sheila Tousey and Michael Horse which focused her attentions on formulating a production company of her own, Koncept Films. The company has since gone on to produce a prequel short, "Life's Blood" starring Michael Horse ("Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron", "Passenger 57", "Twin Peaks"), Alan Tafoya ("Maniacts", "The Lost Child") and introducing the young actor/artist, Tschetan. This project received unprecedented investment support from the Jicarilla-Apache nation in Dulce, New Mexico. Demonstrating her commitment to the development of future filmmakers, Karen served for seven years as Jury Chairperson for the Taos Talking Picture Festival's Best Short Film Award. She is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the talents of young writers, directors, and actors. A commitment that is mirrored in the business practices of her company that include a giving back to community and inexperienced filmmakers. The latest endeavors to that effect include guest lecturing, workshops and training opportunities in New Mexico where she now resides. Creative energy, dedication, and vision are only a few of Karen's continuous contributions to the entertainment industry. At the beginning of 2014, she resigned her position of at Dreamworks Studios to pursue Koncept Films, full-time. The wealth of operational and managerial knowledge accumulated over the years has garnered her the ability to set up a solid infrastructure from which to give a voice to her artistic endeavors and to honor her efforts to support underrepresented voices in unique and creative storytelling on the screen.