Industry Spotlight: Stephanie Hough
Stephanie Hough, Filmmaker | Executive Director & Founder of Portland Panorama
Published April 16, 2026
Written by: Carolina Nascimento
Stephanie Hough is a filmmaker, educator, and community leader whose work is rooted in connection. As the Executive Director and Founder of Portland Panorama, and a longtime leader within Women in Film Portland, she has helped shape a more accessible, inclusive, and collaborative film ecosystem in Portland.
Her path into film started early. Growing up in a movie-loving household with a father who worked as a projectionist, Stephanie was immersed in storytelling from a young age. As a teenager, she began volunteering at the Bend Film Festival, where she discovered a love not just for film, but for the energy and impact of live events. That experience set the tone for a career centered around festivals, community, and creative exchange.
After studying film production and theory at Portland State University and the NW Film Center, Stephanie went on to work with the Film Center in multiple capacities, including the Portland International Film Festival. Those early experiences opened doors to some of the industry’s most recognized festivals, including Sundance, Tribeca, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Denver Film.
Despite her work on a national scale, Stephanie’s focus has always come back to Portland. “I’m a proud product of this community,” she shares. “My goal has always been to give back what I received, while helping open more doors for folks.” That commitment shows up across everything she does, from teaching and mentorship to building platforms for others to share their work.
Her leadership journey with Women in Film Portland began organically through community involvement, eventually leading her to serve as Board President. One standout moment from that work was the first graduating class of the Educate/Incubate program, where 12 female filmmakers took the stage together. “In all my years working and attending festivals, I had never seen an all-female group of filmmakers on stage,” she says, an experience that underscored the importance of intentional spaces for representation.
That same spirit carries into Portland Panorama, the festival she founded to create new opportunities for filmmakers and audiences alike. For Stephanie, it’s often the smaller, personal moments that matter most. “Every time someone shares the impact Panorama is having, I carry it with me,” she says. “It’s what keeps me going through the tough times.”
When it comes to advice for emerging creatives, her message is simple: show up. “Find your people. Go to films, go to networking events, volunteer, and be part of the community because it will show up for you too.” She also emphasizes the importance of staying curious and telling authentic stories.
What continues to inspire her most is the Portland creative community itself. “There is nowhere like Portland,” she says. “It’s full of incredibly talented people who are humble and generous with their time and resources.” Looking ahead, she’s excited to see the industry grow both by supporting local filmmakers and by welcoming creatives from outside Oregon to experience what makes this community so special.
