Industry Spotlight: Dawn Redstone
Dawn Redstone | Filmmaker
Published November 20, 2025
Written by: Carolina Nascimento
Dawn Jones Redstone is one of Portland’s most distinctive creative voices – a filmmaker whose work is grounded in emotional depth, imaginative storytelling, and a commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Her filmmaking journey wasn’t a straight line, but one guided by curiosity, self-discovery, and a strong belief in the power of art to shape our worldview and how we see each other.
“I have been a lover of cinema for a very long time,” she reflects. “But it wasn’t until I held a camera in my hands that it occurred to me that I could tell my own stories.” That realization came after taking a class at the former NW Film Center and marked the start of a self-taught path – slow, challenging, and significant.
Dawn’s films explore themes of identity, belonging, and visibility – a reflection of her desire to see stories on screen that mirror lived experience. For Dawn, filmmaking isn’t just representation; it’s about shifting narratives. “Right now, this absolutely involves creating compelling stories of folks who have been pushed to the margins and offering the emotional depth and visibility we’ve always deserved.”
Dawn describes Portland’s film community with a mixture of realism and admiration. “The community has certainly seen its share of adversity… but it’s only brought us all more together,” she says. “Our community is small, but mighty, and we show up for each other over and over again.” Dawn also sees positive shifts in local support. “I’ve been grateful to see an increase in equitable funding for local film development. I’d love to see more funding specifically for mid-range filmmakers, more early support and consulting for those making features, all the way through distribution.”
That same drive to strengthen the ecosystem led her to join the board of Portland Panorama, the city’s largest film festival, which will see its second year April 9-19, 2026.
At the moment, Dawn is busy with several projects. She is producing the comedy-horror short Hostile Work Environment with Annie Tonsiengsom, about a woman who can’t tell if her co-worker is “a zombie or a jerk.” Her feature Appliance of Science – an absurd dramedy about a woman who joins an experimental study involving household appliances to reconnect with her emotions. It has advanced to the second round of the Sundance Development Track and has been selected for multiple labs. She’s also writing a psychological thriller “about a queer Latina who comes home to confront the family patriarch.”
When asked what advice she’d give to emerging filmmakers and creatives, “If you are just starting, find a way to get on set, whatever it takes, so you can start seeing what it’s like, what roles might call to you, and make connections,” she says. “If you are already creating, make sure you are seeking feedback on your work from both peers and those who might be further along than you as well — it’s vital to grow your skills.”
But above all, she encourages artists to root their work in authenticity and care. “Wherever you are in your journey, the most important thing you bring to the table is… YOURSELF.”
Through Dawn’s films and her leadership, she reminds us that storytelling isn’t only just about art — it’s about connection, courage, and the ongoing act of imagining a better world.
Learn more about Dawn’s work at dawnjonesredstone.com and follow her journey at @dawnjonesredstone