DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY - Jessica J. Rowlands

Jessica J. Rowlands is an award-winning screenwriter and film director from London. She writes both feature films and television drama, best known for her high-octane female led action scripts with a strong heart and emotional core. Specializing in emotionally resonant, coming-of-age dramas blending sports and action elements, Jess made history winning consecutive UCLA Screenwriting Awards in both Feature Film and Television Drama. Her scripts have been recognized by major festivals and competitions around the world, including the Cinestory Fellowship, the PAGE Awards, the Austin Film Festival, the London Independent Film Awards, and the Nicholl Fellowship, among others. Her directorial debut, RISE, premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Festival in 2025. RISE is a coming-of-age boxing drama, inspired by a true story, starring Hollywood actor Tongayi Chirisa and 8-year-old breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, who Jess found through a street casting process. The film was shot entirely on location in Zimbabwe, where Jess spent some of her childhood, with an all-African team, in conjunction with the community that inspired the story. RISE continues to make waves on the international festival circuit. Jess holds law degrees from both the University of London and the University of Chicago Law School, specializing in international human rights. Passionate, dedicated, and collaborative, Jess is driven to create impactful films that resonate globally.