The Filmmakers
Dan Burns
Writer and Producer
Dan Burns is an award-winning screenwriter, author, and independent filmmaker dedicated to telling character-driven stories that blend emotional depth with cinematic precision. His short film Come Out, Wherever You Are—adapted from his acclaimed story collection No Turning Back: Stories—has been an official selection at more than forty festivals and has earned ten awards, including Best Short Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Drama. He is also the screenwriter of the feature film A Fine Line, adapted from his award-winning novel of the same name, as well as the short film Out of Touch (Greenock Productions, 2015). Burns brings a distinct literary voice to each project and a deep understanding of structure, character, and tone. As the founder of 136 Productions, he develops original content for screen and stage, drawing on his experience as the author of seven books. He splits his creative time between Chicago and Montana, where the landscapes and solitude often find their way into his stories. Whether on the page or screen, Dan Burns is committed to telling stories that linger long after the final line—or frame.
Caitlin Presberg
Director
Hailing from Chicago, this accomplished filmmaker has earned a reputation for her exceptional work. Her debut short film, "Jules," received numerous accolades, including the Inclusion In The Industry Award, the Jury Award at the New York Short Film Festival, and Best Ensemble at the Premiere Film Festival. Her other award-winning short film, “It’s Not About The Lemons,” won the Mirkopoulos Cinematic Arts grant and the Best Performance Award from the Feedback Female Film Festival. Her recent short film, "Controllo," secured the prestigious MFA Production Grant from DePaul University. Her current short film, “Come Out, Wherever You Are,” has been named an official selection for thirty-five festivals and has won ten awards, including two for Best Director.
As a writer, she delves deep into the emotional intricacies of the human experience and the journey towards healing from past trauma. Her screenplay, "Tracing Fog," has claimed top honors at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, the Vail Film Festival, and the Chicago Screenplay Awards, marking a significant milestone as she prepares to make her feature directorial debut.
Anh Vo
Cinematographer
Anh Vo is a Vietnamese cinematographer and creative director currently residing in Chicago, USA where he nurtures his passion for visual storytelling across diverse projects.
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Having spent his high school and undergraduate years in Milwaukee, WI while being born and raised in Hanoi, Anh is naturally drawn to visual storytelling that explores themes of cultural identity, the concept of home, and a sense of belonging. Since earning his master's degree in Cinematography from DePaul University, he has made his mark as the cinematographer for Emmy-winning national TV shows, commercials, and independent films showcased at international festivals. Additionally, he has led original projects and social campaigns as a creative director for Fortune 500 global brands, partnering with agencies and athletes.
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With a deep understanding of humanity and an acute ability to find beauty in the world, Anh possesses a remarkable talent for seamlessly transitioning between different artistic worlds. He customizes his film language to perfectly suit each unique story and form of artistic expression. Through his lens, he aspires to capture the essence of emotions and create a lasting impact, leaving viewers inspired and moved.