Justinian Dispenza
| Justinian Dispenza | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1990 Indiana, U.S.[citation needed] |
| 💼 Occupation | Documentary filmmaker, environmental activist, educator, politician |
Justinian Dispenza (born 1990) is an American environmental activist, documentary filmmaker, educator, and former municipal official based on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He is known for documentary films exploring community history, civil rights, food systems, and environmental sustainability, several of which have been selected by regional and national film festivals.
Dispenza has served on the Galena, Maryland Town Council and was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Maryland in the 2022 Democratic primary as the running mate of philosopher Jerome Segal. He is also a co-founder of the Eastern Shore Permaculture Institute, which promotes sustainable living and community resilience through education and outreach.
Early life and education
Justinian Dispenza was born in Indiana in 1990.[citation needed] Early in his career, he spent time living and working in China, where he produced environmental documentary media projects focused on ecological education."Political Notes: Elrich's Endorsements, Pippy's Plans, Segal's LG, and CD-4 News". Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Political career
Municipal government
Dispenza was elected to the Galena, Maryland Town Council, taking office alongside fellow councilmember Tyler Carpenter."Carpenter, Dispenza Join Galena Council". MyEasternShoreMD. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Statewide politics
In the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election, Dispenza was the running mate of philosopher and activist Jerome Segal as the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor."Maryland governor candidate Jerome Segal names running mate". The Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-12-22."Political Notes: Elrich's Endorsements, Pippy's Plans, Segal's LG, and CD-4 News". Maryland Matters. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Environmental activism
Dispenza is a co-founder of the Eastern Shore Permaculture Institute, an organization that promotes sustainable living and community resilience through permaculture education, sustainable gardening, and ecological practices. According to independent press coverage, the institute provides workshops and community events designed to foster sustainable community development."Galena resident promotes sustainable community". MyEasternShoreMD. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Filmmaking career
Justinian Dispenza is a documentary filmmaker whose work covers social issues, community narratives, history, and the environment.
Notable films
- Everybody Eats (2016) – A documentary about community responses to food insecurity. It won the Lens on Hunger Prize from the Real Food Media Contest."Everybody Eats". Real Food Media Contest. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- Get on the Bus! (2023) – A documentary chronicling a multi-stop journey to historic civil rights and cultural sites. The film received selections at multiple festivals."Film by Local Filmmaker Justinian Dispenza to Show at OC Film Festival". Chestertown Spy. Retrieved 2025-12-22."Get on the Bus! – Film Festival Selections". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- Looking Inward: Black History & the Arts (2023) – A documentary exploring regional art and history in Kent County, Maryland; selected at multiple regional film festivals."Looking Inward: Black History & the Arts – Film Festival Selections". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Film festival selections
Get on the Bus! was officially selected for the following film festivals:
- Ocean City Film Festival (November 15, 2023)
- Bill Johnson Black Film Festival (January 6, 2024)
- DMViFF (March 31, 2024)
- LightReel Film Festival (April 5, 2024)
- Chesapeake Film Festival (July 20, 2024)
- North Beach American Film Festival (August 9, 2024)
- Utopia Film Festival (August 28, 2024)
- Prince George's Film Festival (September 10, 2024)"Get on the Bus! – Film Festival Selections". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Looking Inward: Black History & the Arts was officially selected for the following film festivals:
- Ocean City Film Festival (November 15, 2023)
- Maryland International Film Festival (February 20, 2024)
- DMViFF (March 31, 2024)
- LightReel Film Festival (April 5, 2024)
- Rehoboth Beach Regional Film Showcase (April 15, 2024)
- North Beach American Film Festival (August 9, 2024)
- Utopia Film Festival (August 28, 2024)"Looking Inward: Black History & the Arts – Film Festival Selections". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
Recognition
- Everybody Eats received the Lens on Hunger Prize (2016) from the Real Food Media Contest."Everybody Eats". Real Food Media Contest. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- Films by Dispenza have been officially screened in regional festivals and featured in independent media coverage."Film by Local Filmmaker Justinian Dispenza to Show at OC Film Festival". Chestertown Spy. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
References
External links
- Justinian Dispenza on IMDb
Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:American documentary filmmakers Category:American environmentalists Category:Maryland politicians Category:Maryland city council members Category:People from Kent County, Maryland Category:American political candidates
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