Stephen Ohl is an award winning writer/director with a keen eye, poetic sensibilities, highly imaginative ideas, and a flare for humor.  He recently received a Masters’ Degree in Directing from the American Film Institute Conservatory. Before that, he graduated from Boston University with a BA in Film and Television. Born into a devout Christian family, Stephen is the black sheep who flew the coup to find his own meaning in the universe. He's driven by an existentialist desire to figure out what makes us human. His intense stories revolve around the conflict between our most animalistic desires and our most conscious human intelligence.  His films are often loaded with a satirical twist and cynical outlook but always end with love. He has written, directed and starred in many independent films. He co-produced and starred in The Longest Swim, which was purchased by Echo Bridge entertainment in 2013. In the same year, he starred in the found footage horror film, Hooked Up, executive produced by Jaume Collet-Serra (director of The Shallows and Jungle Cruise). Having spent time studying the Meisner Technique, he is an actor's director but not without a visionary strength. Many of Stephen’s shorts have found an audience whether at festivals or online, like his thrilling POV short film titled, I Wasn’t Me. His Thesis Film for AFI, White River Tales, which he wrote and directed, played many festivals from 2018 to 2019. Winning Best Writing at Catalyst (formerly ITVFest), Best Student Film at San Jose International Film Festival, and Best Short Film at Ridgewood Film Festival. Stephen is excited to have made his feature directorial debut with the funny and entertaining Useless Humans, which was released on Showtime in 2020. He is currently developing his next feature to shoot in 2022.