Jake Graf

Jake Graf is an international award winning director, writer and actor based in London known for Dawn (2016), Chance (2015), The Danish Girl (2015), Colette (2018) and Dusk (2017). Jake is an active and visible member of the transgender community, speaking internationally on trans issues, particularly in relation to film and media. He is a judge for the Iris Prize Film Festival, the European Diversity Awards, The Rainbow Honours and The National Diversity Awards and was heavily involved in Stonewall's successful campaign to include the transgender community in their political lobbying and campaigning. Jake aims to make change through the medium of film, giving representation to often under represented and marginalised characters and groups. First film, XWHY, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, was nominated for The Iris Prize. He used his own transition to depict the physical changes of the fictional transman in the film, a cinematic first, and garnered much critical praise. Brace, his second screenplay, deals with issues of homophobia, gang violence, gender identity and self-acceptance. Both Brace and XWHY have been used as educational tools in universities, media events, and hospitals UK wide. His third film, Chance was one of 5 films selected to take part in the British Film Council's pioneering project #FiveFilms4Freedom, in association with the BFI, to promote tolerance and understanding worldwide. His fourth short 'Dawn' touched on themes of disability and transphobia, won multiple Best Short Film awards and was released on Peccadillo Pictures' latest Boys On Film DVD, the only film in the collection with a female lead. Jake's latest film 'Dusk', starring Duncan James and Elliott Sailors, won 30 Best Short Film awards. His first feature film 'Lavender' is currently in development with Ardimages (God's Own Country).