Michael Castelaz holds an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Columbia University in New York City. He has worked as a writer for independent filmmakers and production companies. As an educator, he has worked with Sundance Co//ab, Northwestern University, Columbia University School of the Arts, New York University and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa. His short film Justine (writer/producer) screened at the Montclair Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, New Filmmakers NY Film Festival, among others. In 2019, Glazed (writer/director), his hip-hop coming-of-age short film, was nominated for ten Detroit Filmmaker awards, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Michael lives in Iowa City and writes optimistic stories for cynical times.