Biography

Johan Stavsjö is a Stockholm-based film director and writer whose work explores the quiet tensions of everyday life, balancing human pain with an undercurrent of hope. His films have screened and been recognized internationally. His latest short film Konstnärssjäl (2025) premiered at the Academy Award®-qualifying Santa Fe International Film Festival and won the prestigious 1KM Film Award at Stockholm International Film Festival, shared with his upcoming short Work Ethics. His earlier short Debuten screened at over 20 international festivals and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Johan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in directing at Stockholm University of the Arts, following studies at Pace University, Stockholm Film School, and Biskops Arnö. In 2022, he was selected for Film Stockholm’s New Voices program. Alongside his directing practice, he has worked extensively in film and television for over seven years, most recently as assistant director and 2nd unit director on Netflix’s Trouble and FLX’s upcoming series Golden Boys.

A devoted cinephile, Johan attends more than 150 screenings at the cinema each year.
- IMDb mini biography by: Canelake Films