Jessie Fairbanks

Originally from California, Jessie is now based in Chicago after spending a decade in New York City. Her previous work includes producing large scale events and creative projects for HBO, The Documentary Group, David Byrne, and Google. She was the Project Manager for BAMFilm (previous BAMcinematek) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Jessie has been programming film since 2013 and now curates for festivals year round. In addition to programming for MountainFilm, she is the Director of Programming for Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, a features programmer for DOC NYC, Tribeca Film Festival, Woods Hole Film Festival, and an advisor for Nashville Film Festival. Prior consulting work includes the Hamptons International Film Festival, DocLands (California Film Institute), Rooftop Films, and the Tribeca Film Institute. Jessie holds a BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara, is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute, and is a Board Member for IFP Chicago. When she isn’t watching docs, she likes to hike, hang out with her dog, Winona Ryder, and go on motorcycle rides with her husband.