Jenny Abel is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer. She was born in Berkeley, California in 1974. Abel studied film at UC Santa Cruz, and went on to attend the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, where she graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in directing.
Abel's career began in the late 1990s, when she wrote, produced, and directed several short films, such as "The Gift," which won the Grand Prize at the 2000 Austin Film Festival. She went on to direct and executive-produce the critically acclaimed feature film Groom Lake (2002). The sci-fi drama was praised as “an intelligent and visually compelling debut feature."
In 2004, Abel wrote, directed, and produced the documentary The Brand New Life of Paul Sneijder, which went on to win the Grand Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The film follows the story of a Dutch immigrant to America, and his struggles to make a life for himself in his new home.
Abel's feature film Lake City (2008) was released to critical acclaim. The drama follows the story of a family struggling to cope with their mother's death, and the return of their estranged father.
In 2010, Abel wrote, produced, and directed the comedy feature film Super, starring Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page. The film was released to positive reviews, and Abel won the Best First Feature Award from the Independent Spirit Awards.
In 2014, Abel wrote, directed, and produced the documentary A Small Act, which tells the story of a Kenyan woman's education, and its effects on her village. The film was nominated for two Emmy Awards.
Abel's most recent work includes producing and directing a series of short films for the National Parks Service, and producing the feature film My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016).
Abel is currently working on a feature film about the life of civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo, which is set to be released in 2021.
Jenny Abel is an acclaimed filmmaker, whose work has earned her numerous awards and accolades. Her films explore themes of family, identity, and redemption, and offer a unique and powerful perspective on the human experience.
