Biography

Chanessa Richa'rd is a filmmaker whose journey began after graduating from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved to Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the film industry by doing background work for episodic series and feature films, learning the ins and outs of a film set. Chanessa then transitioned into acting, landing roles in multiple short films. During graduate school, she simultaneously pursued acting and directed and produced a documentary that helped high school students weigh the pros and cons of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) versus Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This documentary was an official selection and semifinalist at the Serbest International Film Festival 2024.

Relocating to Los Angeles, Chanessa continued to book short films, commercials, and industrials. She further developed her leadership and mentorship skills by advising and coaching college students, strengthening her abilities in facilitation, team building, time management, and logistics. Her passion for nurturing others' growth fuels her filmmaking approach, which she views as a collaborative and empowering process.

Chanessa has written and directed two narrative shorts-"Her Prerogative" and "Three's A Crowd"-which spark important conversations within the Black community and elevate Black queer voices. "Three's A Crowd" was a 2024 official selection at LA Shorts International Film Festival, Micheaux Film Festival, Las Vegas Black Film Festival, and Ann Arbor Black Film Festival. Holding a master's degree in leadership, Chanessa combines her expertise in guiding teams with a commitment to empowering others, ensuring that her films not only tell compelling stories but also leave a lasting impact on her collaborators.

Her goal is to inspire and empower those around her, fostering growth and preparing her team for future success, regardless of the projects they take on next.
- IMDb mini biography by: Chanessa Richa'rd