Jenny Popovich is a Michigan-based filmmaker, writer, editor, and director specializing in atmospheric psychological horror that blends surreal imagery, emotional themes, and practical-effects-driven indie filmmaking. She holds an MFA in Film and Television Directing from Columbia College Chicago, an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from Michigan State University, and a BFA in Acting from Ball State University, bringing together experience in filmmaking, performance, and arts leadership. Her award-winning work includes the horror short Hair Wraith, which received honors for Best Horror, Best Director, Best Atmosphere, and Best Original Story on the festival circuit. Jenny creates contemporary films and screenplays centered on strong, believable female characters. Her work has screened and received recognition at over 60 international film festivals, including Insólito: Festival Internacional de Cine Fantástico, Central Florida Film Festival, Shortcut 100 Film Festival, and Toronto Indie Horror Film Festival. Her horror short Hair Wraith received strong reviews and was featured in Sinister Magazine. Her drama, comedy, science fiction, and horror screenplays have received recognition from ScreenCraft Film Fund, FilmQuest, The New York Science Fiction Film Festival, and Richmond International Film Festival. Her feature screenplay Monster Girl was workshopped and selected for a SAG-AFTRA table read at the Lady Filmmakers Film Festival. Before fully moving over to film production, Jenny was an actress and performed in theatre and film, with credits including The Jewish Ensemble Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group, and Williamston Theatre. Her film acting work includes the cult comedy-horror short The Frightened President, which screened at 20 international festivals, and the crime thriller No Maximal Dose. Jenny is also an experienced editor and cinematographer, with professional credits editing commercials, promos, series episodes, and docuseries, as well as operating cameras and live-switching concerts in Chicago. Before joining Oakland University in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Michigan in 2025, as an Associate, Tenure Track Professor in Film Production, she worked at Questar Entertainment in Chicago, where she edited television and film trailers as well as travel series. She also taught film production at Community TV Network and Chicago Filmmakers. Jenny is deeply passionate about horror, both as a viewer and a creator. She sees it as the most inventive genre, offering endless creative possibilities in everything from camera work and editing to storytelling and lighting. She brings that creative exploration into both her filmmaking and teaching.
