Ed Radtke

Ed Radtke has baled hay, been bailed out of jail, taught filmmaking at the high school level, the college level and worked as a delivery driver. He's produced films, served as first assistant director on films, been a custodian, a carpenter, a receptionist, warehouse worker and filled potholes. He's worked as first assistant editor, been a salesman, shoveled gravel and shoveled shit. He's served on state arts council panels, lectured at residential treatment facilities for juveniles, repaired boats and sold auto parts. He's a convicted felon and a Guggenheim Fellow. Ed tries hard to make movies.

I love stories, stories about the human struggle, the human spirit. I love stories about ordinary people who find themselves doing extraordinary things. I grew up in the heartland of Ohio and continue to live there. Although I'm Japanese American, I don't even know my mother's native language, let alone an entire history and culture. As a filmmaker, I've made two narrative features but have yet to include an Asian American in one of my stories. I think it's because I've wrestled with other monsters to date, dealt with other themes. I'm very much looking forward to wrestling with that one. Thanks to NAATA for existing. Thanks also for including my film in your festival.