Damian Magista is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer based in Olympia, Washington. He is the creator and producer of the award-winning short film Food Cart and the founder of CHOMP! Food Film Fest. He previously served as Board Chair of the Olympia Film Society and has contributed to projects for PBS and the Travel Channel.
His work spans both documentary and narrative storytelling. Food Cart follows a young chef forced to make an unthinkable choice after running out of ingredients during a critical moment. CHOMP! is a one-of-a-kind event combining film screenings with meals prepared by acclaimed guest chefs, highlighting the work of independent filmmakers.
Current projects include a documentary about Olympia, Washington in the summer of 1992 (title forthcoming), and a new horror short in development.
Outside of filmmaking, Damian is a passionate macro photographer with a focus on arthropods. His observations have contributed to the recently published field guide, The Social Wasps of North America.
He lives in Olympia with his partner, Lyndsie, their daughter, Betsey, and their pug, Barry.
SOME PRESS:
KPTV
Eater
ESQUIRE
BIZARRE FOODS: AMERICA
EATER
TRAVEL OREGON
ZAGAT
THE MERCURY
PORTLAND MONTHLY