Since the age of eleven, filmmaker Justen Turner has been producing and directing short film projects. At the encouragement and urging of his older brother Julien, Justen formally created Dreadhead Films in 2014 (when he was 12), and in that same year, two of his films-- iWitness Christmas and Giving Gives Back were honored and recognized at national film festivals. Justen quickly became noticed in his community for his filmmaking skills and was hired to provide videography services for the varsity football and basketball programs at his local high school. In 2016, Justen and his brother Julien decided to join forces and serve as partners at Dreadhead Films. In November 2017, the Turner brothers were thrust into the national spotlight when two major events took place simultaneously--brother Julien's biology rap video went viral and the brothers were recognized as the youngest filmmakers (15 & 19) to be commissioned to produce a short film for Sesame Street for its 2018-2019 season. As a result, they were featured on CNN, in The NY Times, and on numerous other national platforms. Since then, he and his brother have made nearly a dozen short films, of which eight (8) are public. Their short films (including two award-winning) have screened at a number of renowned film festivals from the Ebertfest, Pan African Film Festival and the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, to the HollyShorts Film Monthly Screening Series. Their short films that accompanied the release of the streetwear brand Social Status x Nike collaboration on the Nike Dunk and Nike Penny sneakers garnered them a Webby People's Voice Award for Best Video Campaign in 2022 and a Webby Award for Best Video Campaign in 2023. Further, in 2023, they were listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 in the Hollywood & Entertainment category, received a pair of awards for New Director of the Year from the London International Awards and the Shots Awards, and were awarded the Ebertfest Golden Thumb Award. In recent, they have directed several major commercial projects, including spots featuring hip-hop artist Lil Baby (Axe), NFL star Davante Adams (Taco Bell), and NBA stars Jayson Tatum (Air Jordan), and Lebron & Bronny James (Nike).
Justen grew up playing piano and bass as well as playing basketball and running track. A 2024 Ohio State cum laude graduate (marketing major /fashion and retail minor), Justen's greatest pride and joy is being able to transform ideas into reality via film, art, and music.
