Atlas O Phoenix, using they/them/theirs pronouns, is a highly acclaimed director, writer, producer, and editor known for creating impactful and dynamic films that explore both the shadowy and uplifting aspects of humanity, whether through fictional narratives or visual personal essay-styled documentaries. Atlas is forging a path as they explore their intersectional identities with an interest in breaking down invisible barriers. Furthermore, they have also showcased their talents as an actor and performer in esteemed productions such as “Dykes Do Drag” (2017-2020) and “The Naked I” series (2018/2020).

Beautiful Boi is a poignant and evocative documentary, a mesmerizing fusion of reality and imagination, that responds to the questions, “What happens when you have the strength to liberate yourself from the suffocating grip of imposter syndrome, shed the burdensome weight of labels and preconceived notions, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through various therapeutic avenues? What happens when you find the courage to pick up the shattered pieces of your heart after losing the one you loved most, all while grappling with the darkness of your own mind, the darkness that pushed you to the edge nine times before? And what happens when, against all odds, you muster the bravery to embrace your true self and embark on a remarkable transformation at the age of fifty, defying societal expectations and norms?”

Photo: Atlas O Phoenix

Yeej Moua is a multi-hyphenate artist and Fine Arts educator based in Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Montana with a BFA in Media Arts, emphasis in Digital filmmaking and a minor in Theater. Yeej has written and directed two short films, Cotton Candy, an official selection at 2017 Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival in St. Paul and The Wind Always Strikes the Highest Mountain, a project funded through Northern Lights MN, Northern Spark Festival 2021. Along with directing, Yeej has worked on numerous projects as a Production Designer. He finds inspiration through the aesthetics of the world and hopes to continue inspiring others on the wonders of storytelling from the lens of a Hmong American Artist.

Pink Drink is an auto-fictional comedic short film. It follows Wynn, a thirty-year-old Hmong man as he attends a cultural gathering for his “more successful” cousin. This leads to a confrontation that involves familial expectations, six pack abs, and a whole lot of Pink Drink.

Adam Loomis [he/him] is a self-taught animator, educator, and film programmer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Studies in Cinema and Media Culture in 2011 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, he began developing a practice in animation. Since 2015, he has screened his short, animated films at numerous local events and animation festivals around the globe. Adam further expresses his commitment to promoting and advocating for independent animation as adjunct faculty in the animation department at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, as Co-Director of MinnAnimate (a festival that celebrates Minnesota-made animation), as well as in past roles with Hellavision Television Animation Show, Walker Art Center, Trylon Cinema, and Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.

Jasmine is an animated short film about a man named Abel, whose one joy in life is laying eyes on his pet lizard. When the lights in Jasmine’s enclosure go out, a series of mishaps force Abel out of the darkness.

Felix Foster connects a wide range of experience in the fields of writing, project management, and planning, with personal interests in the arts, philosophy, technology, and community engagement. He loves working with artists and community builders, while creating works of his own. Throughout his career he has served as Board Chair of Twin Cities Pride, a small businesses consultant, and has over a decade of experience working with nonprofits and foundations in Minnesota and Seattle. In his free time, he is reading, writing, creating video game concepts and co-hosting a film podcast.

Kristen Marx has spent her career in service to artists and the arts sector for over 15 years through various roles at places such as the McKnight Foundation, Walker Art Center, Park Square Theatre, Ordway, and Jungle Theater. She is a passionate practitioner of equity and social change work fueled by the desire to dismantle “ism’s” and make positive change for current and future generations. 

Kristen is an actress and a playwright. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Management from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. 

Born in Saigon and rooted in Minneapolis, Truc Anh (TA, pronouns she/hers) is a queer, Southeast Asian artist/maker, and racial justice grantmaker. She is passionate about creating the conditions for transformative change that centers racial, gender, and disability justice, especially at the intersections of LGBTQIA+ and Southeast Asian communities. In her previous role at Borealis Philanthropy, TA supported the Racial Equity to Accelerate Change (REACH) Fund which supported racial equity practitioners/capacity builders in the nonprofit sector.

As a 1.5 generation immigrant by way of war, Truc Anh is powered by stories of resistance and resilience. She practices art for healing and for joy. In her spare time, TA can be found outside in her garden, exploring the North Shore, cooking with her friends, or reading. Truc Anh graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Women & Gender Studies.