Christopher Soren Kelly, a multifaceted individual, was born in Bloomington, Indiana, and later earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In 2008, he relocated to Los Angeles, driven by a passion for a career in film.
Kelly is a talented actor, writer, and director, widely recognized for his work in cult science fiction films, including Ink (2009),Infinity Chamber (2016),and The Tangle (2021). He is also the writer and director of the award-winning The Tangle, as well as numerous award-winning short films.
The Tangle, Kelly's feature directorial debut, has garnered widespread acclaim, with critics drawing comparisons to groundbreaking science fiction films. The film's unique narrative has left audiences in awe, with one reviewer describing it as "a chess game of a film... kind of like Inception or Memento... but honestly, I cannot think of anything that I've seen that is like this."
Kelly's impressive filmography includes numerous awards and nominations, including the Grand Jury Prize at Dances with Films for the film Monkeys (2015),as well as several wins for best actor for various films.
One of Kelly's most notable roles is in the low-budget masterpiece, Ink, which he shot for over fifty days in 2008. He played two roles, including the title character, and spent hours in the makeup chair each day. Kelly's preparation for the action role included months of fight-training, drawing upon his background in Muay Thai boxing and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu.
Ink earned Kelly rave reviews, with critics praising his ability to carry the emotional weight of the film. His performance was described as "outstanding," with his delivery being compared to that of Michael Keaton. Kelly's portrayal of John Sullivan was also praised, with Fangoria noting that he embodied the character effortlessly.
Ink went on to achieve cult fame, becoming the most illegally downloaded movie in the world and reaching the top 20 in IMDB's Starmeter. It was also considered "one of the best films of 2009."
Kelly has continued to make a name for himself in the indie sci-fi/horror space, starring in features such as The Portal (2011),Raw Cut (2013),The Frame (2014),Infinity Chamber (2016),Stadium Anthems (2018),Hoax (2019),The Hunter (2021),and The Tangle (2021).
In addition to his film work, Kelly is a meditation teacher, offering classes in and around Los Angeles, as well as online globally. He draws upon his experience in meditation to inform his approach to performance and art, recognizing the fundamental connection between the two.
Kelly's next film, Here Now Always, is set to go into production in winter/spring 2022-23.
