I’ve been making films for as long as I can remember. Starting with a zero-budget feature in 9th grade and continuing every year since. What began as an obsession has turned into a way of understanding people, relationships, and the quiet, often overlooked moments that define us.

I’m drawn to stories that feel human: characters who are flawed, searching, and often stuck between who they are and who they think they’re supposed to be. Whether it’s a contained, character-driven piece or a larger, more ambitious project, I’m always trying to find emotional truth first, then build the filmmaking around that.

Over the years, I’ve written and directed more than a dozen feature films and dozens of short-form projects, many of which have been recognized at festivals including the Student World Impact Film Festival, Cannes World Impact Film Festival, Lift-Off Global Network, and the Joel Haver Oscar Challenge. My films have received awards for Best Feature, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography, and two of my features are currently available on Amazon Prime. More recently, short-form work from my ongoing output has been acquired by numerous streaming platforms. This reinforces my belief that consistent creation builds both voice and audience.

I approach filmmaking as a fully hands-on process. I write, direct, edit, and often handle post-production myself—not out of necessity, but because I believe understanding every layer of the craft leads to stronger, more cohesive films. That said, collaboration remains central to my work. The best moments I’ve experienced on set have come from trusting the people around me and building something together that none of us could have made alone.

I make films because I don’t know how not to. It’s how I process the world, how I connect with people, and how I try to leave something honest behind.

Jacob Boatsman | Co-Founder of Rugby-Otis