Biography

Jo Southwell is an innovative and versatile director working across high-end television, feature film, and immersive formats. With a strong background in fast-paced continuing drama and a flair for emotionally resonant storytelling, she brings both discipline and artistry to every production. Known for eliciting powerful performances, elevating scripts through a distinct visual language, and collaborating seamlessly with cast and crew at all levels, Jo has established herself as a director with both creative vision and technical precision.

Her television work includes Call the Midwife for Neal Street Productions / Netflix USA, which was long listed for a National Television Award for Drama Performance. She has also undertaken shadow director placements on Killing Eve (BBC/AMC) and Trigger Point (ITV)(second-unit), further deepening her craft in episodic television. Alongside this, her award-winning short films have screened at BAFTA, BIFA, and Oscar-recognized festivals, cementing her reputation as a filmmaker of ambition and originality.

Jo is equally forward-looking in her embrace of new technologies, from VR and virtual production to underwater cinematography, always seeking to expand the possibilities of cinematic storytelling while keeping character and emotion at the center. With a passion for genre, Jo develops stories laced with horror, mythology and female narratives.

Recognised for her contributions to the industry, Jo has served as a BAFTA Juror for Best Supporting Actress (2023) and Best Short Form TV Awards (2025). She is also completing an MA in Screenwriting at Falmouth University, further honing her narrative craft.

"I grew up watching Star Wars, reading mythology, loving film and wanting to live in the worlds created on screen. As a director I am not afraid to inspire, motivate or challenge. My passion for visual storytelling is paramount. There is nothing more exciting than uncovering what makes the characters tick and creating the palette on which to tell the story on."
- IMDb mini biography by: J Kelly