SJ is a Seattle filmmaker. Her latest feature film, East of the Mountains stars Tom Skerritt, Mira Sorvino and Annie Gonzalez. The film was distributed in 2021 and maintains 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. East of the Mountains was nominated for two Satellite Awards – Best Picture, Drama and Best Actor in a Leading Role, Drama.
Her first feature film, LANE 1974, starring Sophia Mitri Schloss and Katherine Moennig, premiered at SXSW in 2017. LANE 1974 went on to win the prestigious FIPRESCI award for New American Cinema. Chiro is also known for her many award-winning short films.
She loves complicated, messy families and stories with intense, intimate relationships and secrets. She’s a fan of humor born from deeply invested characters trying their hardest to succeed.
SJ started in theater as an actor, graduating from Bennington College with a degree in Theater and French Lit. She served as Artistic Director of Seattle’s Annex Theater. She holds a black belt from The Washington Karate Association.