Steph Farber is a queer Los Angeles-based filmmaker with a B.A. in English from Tufts University. In 2018 she took a leap of faith from her job in health-tech to write, direct and produce her debut film, Smokescreen. This was the beginning of a new world for her; she fell in love not only with the filmmaking process, but the power of storytelling. Smokescreen was well received by friends, family and the inaugural SPLIFF Film Festival where it won Best in Show before playing at LGBTQ+ Los Angeles, Seattle Queer Film Festival and others. 

 

Steph believes wholeheartedly in the connections we form with and through film and television. Growing up closeted in New Jersey, she craved media that represented her experience. Winning SPLIFF was incredible, but the true triumph was a message she received following the screening “It was one of the first times I've related to a narrative in its entirety. We need more films like yours ❤ thank you.” Telling a story that made others feel seen was the spark she needed to pursue filmmaking full time.  

 

Steph has made two short films since Smokescreen and is currently at work on a queer sports feature. She also exercised her comedy muscles with several wins at a pun-based stand-up comedy competition in Seattle. In her free time she enjoys hiking, woodworking, and flag football. Steph is on a mission to spread queer joy through film and strives to direct compelling stories centered around complex women and queer characters.