Elizabeth Yoder

Where I grew up radio and television and movies were taboo. Raised on my family's 1800's homestead by German-Swiss parents of very strict Amish Mennonite heritage, I dreamt of freedom but felt restrained within the fold. At seventeen, I escaped into the foreign world of modern society. My adventures ranged extreme from burlesque, modeling and working as a makeup artist, to studying spiritual teachings including Hindu chakras and eastern meditations. And then there was cinema. In Los Angeles, I found my artistic family at Playhouse West with rigorous training for stage, and film productions under mentors: James Franco, Jeff Goldblum, Robert Carnegie and Martin Donovan.

Acting has led to filmmaking as a producer and now a director: My films have been well received at Independent Film Festivals. Sanvean won Best Director; Best Narrative Short; Best Short Film; Audience Choice Best Short, Best Actress and the HolyShorts awards in 2017 - 2018. Nominated Best Actress for my starring role in The Long Wait it also won Storytelling Achievement; Best Actor and Best Short Film Awards in 2014.

Things that bring me joy? Giving love to 25 nieces and nephews; daily hikes with my adopted rescue dogs; and volunteering with Elevating Hope, a nonprofit which helps people understand grief.