(651) 764-8101board@mnwift.org
Jacelyn Penée Rainere Johnson is an award-winning actress, producer, casting director, writer, and director from Minneapolis, Minnesota, by way of Los Angeles. She is known for telling bold, character-driven stories about complex, imperfect people, utilizing experimental techniques to explore psychological states, somatic experiences, and sexuality. While she creates across multiple mediums, filmmaking remains her most fulfilling craft.
As the CEO, Founder, and Creative Director of JahPenée Productions (JPP)—a Los Angeles & Minneapolis-based Film/TV Production Company—Jacelyn has made a significant impact in the industry by providing pre-to-post production services, creative consulting, and casting services.
Notable Projects & Achievements: Creator & Producer of The Transformation Code – a talk radio show and podcast hosted by LeBrent Speed, which will be expanding into a talk show format. 2024 L.A. Short Film Festival Award Winner (Sci-Fi/Thriller) for FETISH: The Senator & The Ramp (2023) – a gripping short film she wrote, produced, and directed, exploring the moral dilemmas of a man controlled by a sinister AI. Director & Producer of WeNextArtists (2021) – a feature documentary spotlighting an underrepresented music scene in East Side Saint Paul, Minnesota. Casting Director for a COVID-19 Hulu commercial (2022). Co-Producer of We Wear The Mask (2023) – a podcast and vlog delving into the hidden layers of identity. Producer, Casting Director & Talent Wrangler for The Mask, which aired on The CW (2023 Fall Season).
Beyond film and television, Jacelyn is the driving force behind 42Music, an independent boutique music label and publishing company specializing in Afrofusion/AfroPop.
In the literary space, Jacelyn is developing multiple television series exploring LGBTQ+ themes and mental health, aiming to ignite familiarity in the human experience across all genders and sexual identities. Jacelyn is a member of several industry organizations, including: Organization of Black Screenwriters, Women of Color Unite, Black Lens & Pens Screenwriting Group, MN Women in Film & Television (MN WIFT) – highlighted as a Featured Female Filmmaker (2021)
She is also a recipient of the Creative Arts Individual Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and serves as a grant reviewer. Her acting performances have garnered awards at various film festivals, and she has made her mark at industry events such as the Pan African Film Festival, Hollywood Film Festival, and Black Hollywood Film Festival.
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