Joseph Douglas Elmhirst
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Joseph Douglas Elmhirst is a British-Jamaican filmmaker based in New York. His directorial debut MADA (2020) received critical acclaim. His work often centers around character's coming into their own power, as well as exploring complex themes such as misogyny and religion. He has shown a particular interest in setting his films in Jamaica, as well as following female protagonists. MADA received an Honorary Mention for Narrative Short at Slamdance as well as at Deep Focus Film Festival, and the Madrid Film Awards. In 2022, MADA was included in the Jamaican Biennial, screened at The National Gallery of Jamaica and the American Embassy in Jamaica. Additionally, MADA was available for a year on a donation basis, with all proceeds going to the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation, an organization dedicated to aiding young mothers. He released Like A Baptism the following year, a two minute film centered around a woman's prayer in rural Jamaica, exclusively via Nowness. In 2023, he directed Burnt Milk (2023) a short film centered around his mother's writing, which premiered at the Venice Biennale in the British Pavilion. He is the first filmmaker to be included in the pavilion in its history. He is currently at work on his first feature.