Joanna Priestley is a renowned filmmaker, animator, and producer with an impressive body of work that spans over three decades. With a total of 36 films under her belt, including the critically acclaimed animated feature "North of Blue" and the innovative phone app "Clam Bake", Priestley has earned herself the esteemed title of "The queen of independent animation" from none other than Justin Johnson, the British Film Institute.
Throughout her illustrious career, Priestley has had the privilege of showcasing her work in 13 countries and 10 states across the United States. Her films have been featured in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the British Film Institute, and the National Film Theater in London, as well as in international festivals like the Hiroshima Animation Festival in Japan, the Center for Contemporary Art in Poland, and the Masters of Animation festival in India.
Priestley's work is not only celebrated for its artistic merit but also for its cultural significance. Her films are part of the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Harvard Film Archive, and the Academy Film Archive in Los Angeles. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and serves on the Animation Executive Committee.
As a respected figure in the animation industry, Priestley is often invited to jury the Oscars, the Student Academy Awards, and other prominent film festivals around the world. She is also the founding president of ASIFA Northwest and runs an apprenticeship program at her studio in Portland, Oregon.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Priestley is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at various institutions, including the Pacific Northwest College of Art, the NW Film Center/Portland Art Museum, and Volda University College in Norway. Priestley holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors from UC Berkeley and an MFA Degree from California Institute of the Arts, where she also received the Louis B. Mayer Award.
When she's not working on her next project, Priestley can be found exploring the great outdoors, practicing medicinal herbalism, or traveling to new and exciting destinations. With her unique blend of creativity, passion, and dedication, Joanna Priestley continues to inspire and influence a new generation of animators and filmmakers.
