Emily May Jampel
Biography
Emily May Jampel is a director, writer, and actress from Honolulu based in Brooklyn. Her films have screened at festivals including Palm Springs, Aspen ShortsFest, and Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. Her short Lucky Fish went viral on TikTok after premiering on NOWNESS Asia. She previously worked as Development Executive at The Department of Motion Pictures and served as creative consultant on Constance Tsang's feature Blue Sun Palace, which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week 2024 and received four Independent Spirit Award nominations. She starred in Annie Ning's short Invasive Species, which premiered at Palm Springs ShortFest and was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick. Emily is a 2026 NYSCA grantee and 2024–2025 UFO Short Film Lab fellow hosted at BAM, and was listed on the 2024 Dazed100. She is best known for Lucky Fish (2022), Manoa Valley (2024), Wake (2022), and Invasive Species (2023).
Known For & Full Filmography6 Titles
Movie - 2023, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A young Asian American sound artist confronts feelings of imposter syndrome at her first ever artist's residency.
Movie - 2022, 2h 15m • as Dora
A nuanced story of friendship, forbidden love and self-awareness in the face of grief.
Movie - 2026, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Through forty interconnected vignettes, Human Theories is a comedic kaleidoscope exploring how people try, and often fail, to connect with one another in this weird world. Filmed over a year on location in New York City with a diverse ensemble cast of over 50 actors and non-actors, the film is an experimental love letter to the awkward struggle of modern city living.
Movie - 2024, 2h 15m • as Leo
Confronted by her boyfriend's insecurities about their relationship, Claire is forced to come to terms with the realities that took place the night prior.
Movie - 2019, 2h 15m • as Mayumi
Two high school girls hope to go to prom together when they meet resistance from their school.
Movie - 2025, 2h 15m • as Moderator
On the cusp of success/failure, two unhinged female filmmakers decide to break up with their boyfriends, and for once, make a bold decision with their lives.