A prolific, award-winning independent filmmaker, James Choi has produced multiple feature films from first-time directors that have premiered at SXSW. Made in China won the Grand Jury Award and Best Female Director, distributed by IFC Films, while Saint Frances won the Audience Award and Jury Award for Breakthrough Voice, later receiving distribution from Oscilloscope Films. Saint Frances was also nominated for two Gotham Awards and the John Cassavetes Award at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards. His most recent film as producer, Waiting for the Light to Change, won the Grand Jury Award at Slamdance in 2023. James has been in the forefront of the independent film movement in the last decade, and has also directed numerous films that have screened widely all around the world, winning awards and receiving distribution.

In addition to filmmaking, James is passionate about photography, using the visual medium to capture fleeting moments and tell stories through striking imagery. His work—whether in film or photography—aims to tell timely stories through innovative formats, transforming everyday moments into narratives that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.

James is currently based out of Chicago and teaches film at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Instagram: @jcpov