Biography

Stephen Dest was born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. He is an award winning writer/director/producer who's best known for the short film Blind (2008) which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and the feature films; My Brother Jack (2013), I Am Shakespeare (2017) & Blood Bond (2025). He is the recipient of numerous awards including; Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Film and a New Visions Nominee. In 2012 he was recognized for his work in cinema receiving the "Artist of the Year Award" by the Arts Council of New Haven (CT) and in 2013 he was an "Artist in Residence" at the prestigious Napa Valley Film Festival where he was mentored by Award Winning Writer/Director Joe Carnahan and Oscar Nominated Producer Christine Vachon.

Stephen is a professor of film studies at the University of Connecticut and the author of "A look at Film & Social Justice in Cinema Today" (Cognella Publishing). Prior to his film career, Stephen was a professional stage actor/manager and director of over 200 plays and musicals. Working in some of the most celebrated theaters in the country.

He is the founder of the film and theatre department at Neighborhood Music School and has served as a consultant and judge for several film festivals and production companies.
- IMDb mini biography by: Stephen Dest