Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Des Matelske's love for writing and directing started with analog film and recording on VHS tapes with her sisters in elementary school. At sixteen, she made the decision to attend the Medina County Career Center in video production for her final two years in high school to sharpen her skills in movie making and spark her drive for the film industry. Graduating at the top of her class, Des turned down multiple colleges with one goal in mind - to make a movie. Spending her entire college savings, she created her first feature film and landed screenings around the USA. Eager for more, Matelske signed up for New York Film Academy's summer program and then proceeded to pack up and move to Boston to study screenwriting at Harvard University. Des does not limit herself to only her own projects, but has worked on low and big budget motion pictures on set and in the production office. Learning script editing and the business of the industry first hand, Matelske aims to create stories that continue to drive the perception that cinema is an art form and not just a means of story telling.
Native Son
(
Film
Production Secretary
The Last Summer
(
Film
Travel Coordinator
Point Blank
(
Film
Assistant Production Office Coordinator
Cut Throat City
(
Film
(Action, Crime, Drama and Thriller)
Production Secretary/Travel Coordinator
Acts of Violence
(
Film
(Action and Crime)
Assistant to Director
Escape Plan 3: Devil's Station
(
Film
(Action)
Key Office Production Assistant
Gone
(
Television
(Crime and Drama)
Production Assistant
Compatibility
(
Film
(Drama, Romance and Short)
Production Assistant
Swipe Right
(
Film
(Short, Comedy and Drama)
Director
Use of Force
(
Film
(Drama and Short)
Second Assistant Director
Sincerely, Me
(
Film
(Drama)
Director Eli Johnson struggles through high school challenged by his self-loathing and the pressure to be "normal". The recent passing of his mother due to terminal cancer leaves Eli and his father disconnected and in the dark. Bullied by his peers, Eli turns to prescription drugs to cope with his suicidal thoughts. Falling hopelessly for the popular Addison McKnight, he looks to his love for her as an escape out of his deep depression. Written by Des Waz Here Productions
The Evolution of a Gen-X Music Purchaser
(
Film
(Short, Drama and Music)
Miscellaneous Crew
Calming Dysphoria
(
Film
(Short and Drama)
Director A short black and white narrative told through the eyes of Des Matelske about her personal experiences with depression and using film to channel her emotional struggles.
A Week from Nowhere
(
Film
(Short and Drama)
Director A short film that exploits the realities of suicide and depression through Josie; a lost individual who can't find her purpose in life. Her brother is blinded by society and pushes her to do things just to satisfy other people in life, blind to the fact that Josie is suicidal and depressed. Josie has her mind set on her one goal, until Tyler comes along and tries to change her mind.
Lucifer
(
Film
(Short, Action and Drama)
Director Drake "Lucifer" Matel is followed by Danny "Deuce", Robbie "The Rat", Sammy "Hollywood" and Luke, making up the gang "Lucifer's Lords". Drake, eighteen years old and the leader of "Lucifer's Lords", is charged with murder and is sent to prison facing a life sentence. In order to prove herself, Drake goes to the extreme to show she has what it takes. Drugs, cigarettes, violence, and abuse make up the everyday life for those in "Lucifer's Lords". Written by Des Matelske
Take 1
(
Film
(Documentary and Drama)
Director From filming home videos with a VHS camera to producing my first movie, I have always been fascinated by film making. Taking this hobby of mine and turning it into a dream, now it is my career and my life. I'm Des Matelske, and this is my story. Written by Des Matelske
Winner of Recognition for Best Drama Feature in the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Fes
(2016)
Platinum Award for Best Feature Film in the NYC Indie Film Awards
(2016)
Top 5 Finalist in the This Is New: Short & Sweet Film Contest
(2015)
Award of Merit in the Best Shorts Film Competition; Documentary Short
(2015)
Award of Recognition in the Best Shorts Film Competition; Film Short
(2015)
Official Selection in the Los Angeles CineFest; Short Film
(2015)
Best Trailer Winner in the Los Angeles CineFest
(2015)
Narrative Short Winner in the International Independent Film Awards
(2015)
Best Director Nominee in the LAIFF Awards
(2015)
Official Selection in the Los Angeles Awareness Film Festival
(2015)
2nd Place & Nomination for Best Acting (Female Lead: Claire Arble) in The Cleveland 48 Hour Horror Film Project
(2014)
Gold for Creative/Computer Art Photo Composition in NEOCC
(2013)
Gold for Creative/Photography Black & White Digital in NEOCC
(2013)
1st Place in Skills USA State Competition: Digital Cinema
(2013)
1st Place for Best Character/Best Use of Character in The Cleveland 48 Hour Horror Film Project
(2013)
3rd Place & Nomination for Best Blood Splatter in The Cleveland 48 Hour Horror Film Project
(2013)
Top 15 Nationally in The Great American No Bull Video Contest
(2012)
Top 4 Nationally Nominated Best Director in The Great American No Bull Video Contest
(2012)
1st Place in Ohio School Board Association Video Contest
(2012)
Medina County Career Center
(2011-2013)
New York Film Academy
(2011-2013)
Harvard University
(2011-2013)