Kristen Iverson
Filmmaker, DJ, and Media Specialist in Washington, DC
“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” –Rollo May
Hello, my name is Kristen! I am a DJ and documentary filmmaker currently working in Washington, DC as a Media Specialist at the Department of State. A position that has opened doors literally and figuratively to the ultimate experience of all the best of people and cultures the world has to offer.
This experience has peaked my interest in foreign affairs and cultures, inspiring me to journey within our nation’s capital exploring events, opportunities, arts, and cultures of everyday people from countries around the world that have made Washington, D.C. their homes.
In high school I fell in love with documentary filmmaking and its ability to transcend borders. As the years passed that love grew into a passion for telling powerful stories that reveal and provide understandings into the many divides that plague our society.
That passion led me to a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the illustrious Howard University and a Master’s Degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University. Together these institutions laid the foundation for my professional career, preparing me for work on major docuseries such as CNN’s The Eighties and Katie Couric’s Under the Gun.
Currently, I am working as an Assistant Director on an international documentary project, entitled Maestrina Da Favela. Maestrina da Favela (Master of the Slum) is a coming-of-age documentary following the life of Afro-Brazilian, female percussionist Elem Silva between the ages of 13-22. At eight years old, with the help of her mom, Elem created a band named "Meninos da Rocinha do Pelo, which translates to Children of the Slum, to liberate youth in her favela from a life of drugs, violence and poverty. Filmed in Brazil's capital of African culture, Salvador, Bahia, the documentary explores the rich and rhythmic culture of Afro-Brazilians living in the Pelourinho historic center, which was once one of the largest slave markets in the Americas.
For more information on this project, check out the Maestrina Da Favela Facebook page.
For more personal projects from me, as well my professional demo reel, follow and subscribe to my channels on Vimeo and