Matt Brookens, a native of Springfield, Illinois, grew up in a city often referred to as the most normal in the country, where he and his younger brother, Greg, would spend their days cooking up movie ideas to combat boredom. Even as pre-teens, the Brookens brothers were actively involved in the filmmaking process, writing, directing, shooting, and editing their own comically twisted movies that often featured dark themes such as murder, drugs, and monkeys.
Unsatisfied with the fine art degree he was pursuing in Springfield, Matt made the decision to relocate to Chicago, where he attended Columbia College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in film in 1999. Throughout his career, Matt has collaborated with his brother Greg to create a multitude of short films, many of which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards on the festival circuit.
Some of their most notable films include Roni vs. Lincoln, Of Bass and Men, and Skunk Ape!?, which garnered significant attention and praise after winning "Best of Tromadance" and achieving distribution through Troma Entertainment in 2004. Matt's most recent project is his first feature film, The Art of Pain, a dark comedy-action HD project, which he completed principal photography for.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Matt has also ventured into the world of children's literature, illustrating a kid's book called I Have Five Senses. To make ends meet, he works as a graphic artist. Matt is also an accomplished musician, serving as the guitarist for the Chicago-based nerd-punk sextet, Dr. Killbot. When he's not busy with his various creative pursuits, Matt enjoys indulging in chilled Hostess cherry pies and watching meerkats.
