Julia Verdin is a seasoned filmmaker with a diverse skill set, recognized for her work as a producer, award-winning director, and screenwriter. With three decades of experience in the film industry, she has emerged as a prominent independent producer in Hollywood, overseeing the production of over 36 critically lauded feature films. In 1995, Julia founded Rough Diamond Productions, a company that has become synonymous with quality independent cinema.
Her films have graced numerous prestigious film festivals, including Sundance, Toronto, Venice, AFI, and Raindance, to name a few. Julia’s background in acting enhances her directorial approach, allowing her to guide actors effectively and elicit remarkable performances while her production expertise ensures creative endeavors remain within budget.
Julia made her directorial debut with *Lost Girls*, featuring Bar Paly and Marisol Nichols, which garnered accolades such as Best Social Impact Film at the Culver City Film Festival. The film has been utilized in educational initiatives addressing child sex trafficking and enjoys ongoing distribution.
Her first feature as a director, writer, and producer, *Angie: Lost Girls*, was released in December 2020, focusing on a victim’s struggle to reclaim her life amidst ongoing threats from traffickers. Starring Olivia d'Abo and Dylan Sprayberry, it was distributed by Freestyle in the U.S. and Jinga Films internationally. Currently, her second feature, *MAYA*, is in post-production and addresses the dangers faced by at-risk teens online.
Julia has also directed promotional content for the GIFT initiative and created short films in collaboration with the non-profit Kids in The Spotlight. Additionally, she is a founding board member of Artists For Change, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising awareness of critical social issues through the lens of film and media.
