Paige Storti is an independent documentary filmmaker from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. With a Bachelors in Psychology, her interests are deeply rooted in social justice issues, mental health, and the human condition. Paige also holds a Masters Degree from The City College of New York in Film. She has worked closely with Oscar-winning, Emmy-nominated director Cynthia Wade as well as interned at Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative and Women in Film and Video New England. From a young age, Paige recognized the magic of a camera’s eye. Over the years, her passion has evolved from still photos to films, but her intent remains the same: to capture the beauty and expression the subject holds and to connect the viewers through stories of human experience. She is a storyteller at heart and hopes her films shed light on topics that may otherwise be left in the dark. Paige’s thesis film, The Backpack, discusses the public perception of police officers, police culture, and mental health stigma, specifically within policing.
Her film, The Backpack, is part of BIFF 2022.
What was your first experience on a film set?
My first experience on a film set was with my long time mentor Cynthia Wade. We were shooting a short film in our town of Great Barrington, MA. Having the privilege of learning from her hands on was what ultimately led me to pursue my MFA and follow in her footsteps.
What was the first film you directed/wrote?
I’ve been writing films and screenplays since high school but The Backpack is the first I’ve ever actually executed…and not the last!
Who is your favorite filmmaker?
I love many filmmakers for different reasons but two of my favorites are Sam Mendes and Sam Levinson. Sam Mendes’ American Beauty catapulted me into wanting to become a filmmaker. The way they each use every element to tell a story is fascinating, poetic, and inspiring. They both challenge the world of filmmaking and have shown me what storytelling can be.
What are you working on that no one knows about?
I am finishing up two micro-short fiction screenplays at the moment while planning a feature fiction screenplay in my head. Although fiction wasn’t my concentration in grad school, I am constantly jotting down ideas as they surface and recently many seem to be fiction, so I’m embracing that. Along with this, I am also planning my next documentary and starting pre-production for it in June!