Profile
Katja Esson is an Academy Award® nominated filmmaker based in Miami and Havana who mixes documentary and narrative genres. Esson began her career in Miami as a production assistant for the notorious rap group 2 Live Crew. Since her days of wrangling booty-shaking babes, Esson has directed a variety of award-winning documentaries and short films. Born and raised in Germany, Esson brings a quirky European sensibility to the distinctively American subjects she chooses. more »
News
2019
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RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE receives a Ford Foundation Grant
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CITY VR wins the Knight Art Challenge from the Knight Foundation
2018
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US premier of 5-part series AMERICAN RIVERS (AMERIKAS FLÜSSE) at KCET
2017
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Production starts on RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE
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THE LOS ANGELES RIVER episode wins Jury Award for best Documentary at the German Nature Film Festival
2016
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The 5-part series AMERICAN RIVERS (AMERIKAS FLÜSSE) premiers on Arte
2014
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Production starts on CANTINEROS DE CUBA in Havana, Cuba
2013
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The 5-part series: BACKROADS USA (AMERIKAS LEGENDÄRE STRASSEN) premieres on Arte
2012
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SKYDANCER premiers on PBS - "America Reframed", October 2012
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SKYDANCER is nominated for the Magnolia Award (Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Camera ) at the Shanghai TV and Film Festival, June 2012
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POETRY OF RESILIENCE is nominated for the Cinema for Peace Award, Berlin Film Festival
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SKYDANCER is nominated for EDA Award, Salem Film Festival 2012
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SKYDANCER is nominated for best Documentary at Guanajuato International Film Festival
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SKYDANCER is nominated for Best Film on Indigenous People at Pärnu International Film Festival
2011
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POETRY OF RESILIENCE premieres at Oscar-qualifying DocuWeeks in Los Angeles
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THE OLDEST PROFESSION (Das Älteste Gewerbe) wins Silver Screen at US Film and Video Festival
2010
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WE ARE NEW YORK is nominated for 4 Emmys Awards