Quarterfinalist, 2025 JumpStart Writing Competition
BIO
Born and raised in Chicago, JASON KESSE is a Black, LGBTQ+ writer, producer, and proud child of Ghanaian immigrants. Fascinated with filmmaking from a young age, he enjoys creating immersive worlds and telling dark, suspenseful stories about outsiders in impossible situations, learning to embrace their authentic selves outside of what is expected of them. Since earning his BA with honors in both Film & Television and Theatre from Fordham University, he has worked as a script reader for the Austin Film Festival and Roundabout Theatre Company. Currently based in Portland, he serves as a development assistant at LAIKA Studios, where he helps oversee the slate of upcoming animated projects for the studio.