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James Mae (they/them)
I am a local director and cinematogpher with emphasis on the non-fiction space. I have over six years of experience in the media industry and non-fiction storytelling space and recently created Starlight Productions to produce films and multimedia projects made by, for and about the intersectional LGBTQA+ community. We have one short film, Hidden In The Spotlight and one micro film, Winkles In Time on the market (see below).
In addition to my documentary work, I am a full time freelancer in the film and live event space. In the videography and photography space, I have worked on promotional campaigns for the documentary "Seat At The Table" and nonpartisan campaign "Sick of It" for healthcare reform.
On set, I have worked as the DoP for Barre and Conjoined at the hip, and have worked on web series, films and other sets as an AC, Camera Operator, Gaffer, Script Supervisor and PA.
For live events, I have extensive experience working film festivals and large events, most recently I was a theater manager for DCDOX 2026 and PA for the 2026 WAMMIES.
I was named filmmaker of the month for June, 2026 by the D.C. Film Office for my work on HITS and commitment to the D.C. film community, additionally my photojournalism series The Art of Resistance in D.C. was a finalist in the 2026 Society of Professional Journalists Dateline Awards.
I remain committed to creating ethical visual storytelling and art by following the Documentary Accountability Working Group framework and the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
BTS: Con-Joined at the Hip photo credit Michelle D. N.
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Starlight's Films:
Hidden In The
Spotlight:
Log Line:
Theater is Life- Mexican actor and playwright Victor Salinas navigates family, love and sacrifice while pursuing his dream of creating an artistic refuge for his Hispanic, Latine and LGBTQA+ communities 20 feet below Washington D.C.'s surface.
Documentary Short- Directed, Produced & Shot by: James Mae Edited by: James Mae and Jamie Robles
Official Selection: Reeling the International LGBTQA+ Film Festival, Signal Film Festival, Hispanic International Film Festival, On The Fringe Film Festival
Awards:
Won: Exceptional Merit & Merit Award for cinematography: Hispanic International Film Festival
In Consideration: The Impact Documentary Awards: Short Documentary Category.
WWrinkles In Time
Wrinkles In Time is a micro film based on the poem of the same name by Michele Evans and inspired by the artwork of Kyujin Lee. This project is part of the Graftings exhibition where 12 poets, artists and filmmakers came together to interpret and create visual art based on written word. The film along with the other works will be on display at Rhizome D.C. on Aug 29, 2026
James' Films
Bare- Narrative Short- Director of Photography
Con-Joined at the Hip- Narrative Short-Director of Photography- D.C's 48 hr film fest-Team Women In Film In Video nominated for five awards, including "Best Comedy" and "Best Use of Line"
