Biography

Melinda Raebyne is a critically acclaimed Taiwanese-American filmmaker whose storytelling transcends boundaries. She has earned recognition for projects that amplify voices from underserved communities. Her work spans countries across the world. She is drawn to and tells stories where understanding, compassion, collective action and human resilience make the world a better place to live for everyone. In 2020 Melinda released, For Sale, a groundbreaking and first ever public art in Tacoma, Washington addressing underage sex trafficking through media art. Melinda believes in our universal desire to belong and to be treated with dignity and compassion. As an advocate for fostering empathy and connection through film, Melinda collaborates with communities to uncover stories that resonate globally. Her vision combines artistry and advocacy, creating films that bridge divides and foster understanding.

In addition to her film and video projects, Melinda is a long-time advocate of independent and emerging filmmakers. She serves as a manager at Meaningful Movies Project, which educates and advocates using the power of social justice documentary film. She has also served as Event Director for the Seattle Latino Film Festival (2013-14) and as a youth filmmaker mentor for Tacoma's Grand Cinema Film Camp (2016-18). She recently was on the board of Washington Lawyers for the Arts and the Washington Filmworks Film Leadership Council.

In 2018, Melinda was one of thirteen grassroots leaders selected in Washington state to participate in the Jane's Fellowship Program (JFP), which brings together a diverse group of leaders who are actively serving Pierce County and working to address a wide range of community challenges. She is a 2022 recipient of Firelight Media's Spark Fund, which provides support for established independent BIPOC documentary filmmakers. Recently, Melinda completed the very competitive WA Filmworks Above the Line Program.
- IMDb mini biography by: Melinda Raebyne