FILM BIO
Charissa, (pronounced Careesa), Charissa King-O’Brien is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and multimedia producer since 1999. With an M.F.A. in Film, Video, and New Media from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Charissa’s films are known for their powerful blend of personal narrative and social commentary, often incorporating her background in painting and photography. Her third film, “The Paper Mirror” (2012), stands out for its intimate portrayal of two renowned artists, Riva Lehrer and Alison Bechdel, as they collaborate on a portrait. This film has toured extensively at festivals across the U.S. and is distributed through Frameline.
Currently based in Ithaca, NY, Charissa is a multimedia producer at Cornell Engineering, where she applies her storytelling expertise to the academic world. Her earlier works, including the autobiographical “In My Father’s Church” and the visually rich “Over the Moon,” have been showcased internationally, earning critical acclaim and contributing to important conversations in the LGBTQ+ community. Through her films, Charissa continues to explore the intersection of art, identity, and social change.
Charissa has won three Community Arts Assistance Program grants from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council.
Email: ckingobrien@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charissakingobrien/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsbyseeking/
Charissa King-O’Brien (c) 2024