Kendra Ann Sherrill is the festival director of the Children’s Film Festival Seattle, the largest festival on the West Coast dedicated to children and their families. The 17th Annual Children’s Film Festival Seattle comes to Northwest Film Forum–and streams virtually–from Feb. 11 to Feb. 20. (Get your pass here.) Learn about Kendra Ann Sherrill…
Hometown: Spokane, WA
First job: First job was at Ben’s Yogurt & Deli (fro yo and sandwich shop) and my first film job was as a producer/editor for a local food TV show called “Washington Grown.” I may or may not love food.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Exploring the beautiful forests, trails and beaches with my fiancé and pup. Also trying new restaurants and vintage shopping!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: It might honestly be becoming CFFS’s director! I still can’t believe my full-time job involves watching kid’s films then getting to share those films with families – dream! Might be tied with the time one of my short films got me invited to visit Pixar. That was a surreal dream come true.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Setting boundaries and learning how to truly relax – still working on this.
Someone who inspires you and why: The Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee (can you tell I love kids films!?) She essentially broke Disney’s glass ceiling by being the first female director of a Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film (Frozen) and now basically runs the place.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: There is no one right way to do it. The film industry doesn’t offer a linear path to success – it’s more of a scribble drawn by a 6-year-old. So dip your toe in lots of things until you find the perfect path that clicks for you.
Favorite quote: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” –Steve Martin
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m left-handed, I can sew my own clothes, I once lived and worked at a yoga retreat in Ireland (doing videos, not teaching yoga–I’m not that talented).
What makes someone fabulous: Kindness, imagination and a snazzy outfit.
Top-of-page photo credit: Sioned Abuan Photography