Imaginarium 2026 proudly welcomes award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and creative executive JoAnn Hess as a Spotlighted Guest! JoAnn is a multi-award winning screenwriter for film and television and a Creative Executive with London Angel Film (AUS), in addition to having her own production company, Pure Moxie Productions.
Her feature COOKSTER: The Darkest Days, premiered in UK theatres on March 6, 2025, earning critical acclaim, five film awards, and four nominations at the BAFTA-qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival (UVFF). The film recently secured distribution with Sky Entertainment and is now available on Amazon UK. Cookster was also spotlighted in Variety for its impact and growing franchise potential. A sequel, COOKSTER: No Way Out, is slated to be directed by Peter Field (Skyfall, Edge of Tomorrow).
For television, JoAnn created Shadowfall, a contemporary conspiracy thriller, and she also writes in the family space with Rise of Heroes: The Legend of the Guardian, which has secured financing with production targeted for early 2026. Her newest dramedy, Grandfella, is in development with London Angel Film and Buffalo 8. She currently has projects in development with MarVista Entertainment and Worldwide Entertainment & Media.
We are honored to have JoAnn join us for our 13th year, taking place July 17-19 , 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky! For further information on the Imaginarium Convention, please visit www.entertheimaginarium.com