Kristin R. Lauterbach is a film director with a wide variety of professional experience directing both short-length and feature-length films. Kristin has a particular interest in social and human right issues, which she has used to promote awareness and provide relief for people who are suffering around the world.
Kristin has made several successful fictional shorts, which demonstrate her creativity and unique insight. “Midnight Clear,” which was sold to Lionsgate, is based on Kristin’s estranged relationship with her younger brother and explores the depth of sibling relationships. "The Witch of Portobello," based on Paulo Coelho's novel of the same name, was selected as a top three finalist in the competition to be part of Coelho’s feature film. “Food for Thought,” which was done with 20th Century Fox to test the RED Camera, ends with a very unexpected twist.
“Ambition,” “Move,” and “Intersections” are all experimental spoken word films, each of which asks the viewer to examine his or her view of the world. “Ambition” is a poem that encourages people to discover who people truly are, rather than who they appear to be. “Move” is an encouragement to be an active community participant who strives to make a difference. “Intersections” asks people to look at how we are all interconnected and to act and react to others accordingly.
Kristin’s unique perspective in her fictional work is due in part to her experience making documentaries, which has allowed her to explore the raw emotions present in real life situations. In 2008, she directed "Master-Debaters," a provocative feature-length documentary, which follows Craig Gross, of the XXX Church, and world-famous adult entertainment figure, Ron Jeremy, debating the subject of pornography before audiences around the country. Her other feature-length documentary, "Flesh: Bought and Sold in the US," is produced in coordination with Women Make Movies, and is an exploration of the widely overlooked, yet widespread, practice of human trafficking in the United States.
Kristin has also produced several short-length documentaries. Of these, "Emthonjeni: South Africa," a profile of a settlement outside of Johannesburg, and "Help Haiti Heal," which shows the devastating effects of the 2008 flooding in Haiti, have together raised well over half a million dollars in relief money for victims of poverty and natural disaster in those countries. "Stefanie's Story" is the story of a young girl who died of AIDS and how she shared her life experience through her poetry.
Since moving to Los Angeles, Kristin has also had a great deal of experience working for major film and television companies. Her latest positions, at 20th Century Fox, were as the Manager of Feature Productions and Executive Production Coordinator for Joseph Hartwick, President of the Feature Film Division. Working in such close proximity to very talented and experienced professionals allowed her to hone her skills as a director and subsequently leave this position to devote herself full-time to her own projects.
Kristin has also worked for Mojo Films as the Assistant to Director Gary Fleder, as well as for Dreamworks Network Television and Revival House Entertainment.