We Gotta Get Out of Here
Producer / Director
Jen Araki is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of the production company Crystal Mountain Films and Media Button that she co-owns with her fiancé Dylan Playfair. She has spent 14 years in New York and Los Angeles as a model, actress and her later years as a director and producer. She produced and directed a feature length documentary “We Gotta Get Out Of here” that won best feature documentary at the LA Art Festival, NYC New Filmmakers, and the Alt Film Festival, and is currently on several platforms all over the world. Jen has directed commercials, documentaries and brand films and has appeared in numerous televisions (Sopranos) shows along with many independent films ( The Color Rose) and theatre productions. While currently running the role as CEO at Media Button and CMF, she has several narrative projects in development.
Recently, she directed, produced, and starred in a short film drama called “Whistle” which is inspired by true events about Emma who returns to her childhood home upon her father’s death. But what set out to be a simple funeral service because a journey down nostalgia lane, making her confront her bittersweet relationship with her father. It is currently in the festival circuit, and she won “Best Female directed” in the Venice Short film awards.
Born and raised in Canada (Kelowna, BC) she holds dual citizenship and resides between Vancouver, BC(Canada) and Los Angeles CA ( USA).
Above all else, Jen’s passion is to tell stories that help cultivate a better world.