Encyclopedia Dubuque
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GORRELL, Susan: Difference between revisions
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GORRELL, Susan. (Chelmsford, England-- ). Gorrell's background as been cited as reasons for her outstanding success as the executive director for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL]]. (1) She spent 15 years as a production/PR manager for Heartbeat Distribution, a Christian music and DVD distribution company. For eight years, she served as a production/stage manager for the Unity Awards and set up productions for the event in Washington, DC; Ohio, Minnesota; Arizona; New Orleans; and Canada. | [[Image:gorrell.png|left|thumb|250px|]]GORRELL, Susan. (Chelmsford, England-- ). Gorrell's background as been cited as reasons for her outstanding success as the executive director for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL]]. (1) She spent 15 years as a production/PR manager for Heartbeat Distribution, a Christian music and DVD distribution company. For eight years, she served as a production/stage manager for the Unity Awards and set up productions for the event in Washington, DC; Ohio, Minnesota; Arizona; New Orleans; and Canada. | ||
In 2016, Susan produced SUPERCON starring John Malkovich, Clancy Brown, and Mike Epps. SUPERCON was released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in April 2018. Since then, Susan has produced multiple features and a TV pilot that was shot in Dubuque. (2) | In 2016, Susan produced SUPERCON starring John Malkovich, Clancy Brown, and Mike Epps. SUPERCON was released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in April 2018. Since then, Susan has produced multiple features and a TV pilot that was shot in Dubuque. (2) | ||
Revision as of 00:52, 17 April 2026
GORRELL, Susan. (Chelmsford, England-- ). Gorrell's background as been cited as reasons for her outstanding success as the executive director for the JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. (1) She spent 15 years as a production/PR manager for Heartbeat Distribution, a Christian music and DVD distribution company. For eight years, she served as a production/stage manager for the Unity Awards and set up productions for the event in Washington, DC; Ohio, Minnesota; Arizona; New Orleans; and Canada.
In 2016, Susan produced SUPERCON starring John Malkovich, Clancy Brown, and Mike Epps. SUPERCON was released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in April 2018. Since then, Susan has produced multiple features and a TV pilot that was shot in Dubuque. (2)
Married to Kenny Gorrell, a winner of an Emmy Award, Susan and Kenny decided to return to Iowa to raise their family. As their children grew older, Susan began working in film as a producer. She attended her first JDIFF in 2012 as the founder, president, and producer of Oakmill Entertainment and her documentary "A Million Spokes" about RAGBRAI, the annual bicycle ride across Iowa. The production received worldwide distribution earned the Best of Iowa Award that year. She became an active volunteer with the Julien Dubuque festival organization and became a member of its board of directors. In 2014 she took on the role of Senior Manager. She was promoted to Executive Directors in 2015. (3)
The Gorrell family have continued their contributions to the arts. Their son, Skylar, was nominated for an Oscar in 2017 with the visual effects team for "Deepwater Horizon." Their son, Brandon, scouts locations for movies.
Growing the JDIFF has remained her goal. She has stated, "I hope to make Dubuque a top destination for festival attendees--not only locally, but regionally, nationally, and internationally. This can create a great economic impact, which I think is really important."...Julien Dubuque International Film Festival brings people together from everywhere." (4)
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Source:
1. Gloss, Megan, "Susan Gorrell," Telegraph Herald, March 29, 2026, p. 7
2. Gold, Eden, Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Susan Gorrell of Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF)) Is Helping To Shake Up The Entertainment Industry," Medium, Online: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/inspirational-women-in-hollywood-how-susan-gorrell-of-julien-dubuque-international-film-festival-b12d71645ee9
3. Ibid.
4. Gloss