
Quarterfinalist, 2025 JumpStart Writing Competition
Finalist, 2025 Roadmap Writers' Shorts Competition
BIO
JAROD BACKENS is an Oakland-based writer and filmmaker. By day, he’s a Tech Sales Director; by night, he tells stories that reveal the complexities of relationships, ambition, and resilience. His writing has garnered recognition from The Black List, Austin Film Festival, and Screencraft. He also created and hosted the podcast, Josh Hasn’t Seen The Sopranos, and is currently writing, directing, and producing an Oakland-set film, Cities Like Oakland.