Drew Annis grew up in Iowa City, IA and studied Anthropology, Spanish and Cinema at the University of Iowa, As a student, Drew acted in several graduate thesis narrative films, theater productions and sang tenor in four Opera productions. He also played piano and rapped with the rock/rap band "Jet Set Cutie." He discovered his love of filmmaking through the creation of documentaries that accompanied his field research in anthropology. Drew completed six months of field work in Seville, Spain where he shot his first documentary, "Viva Hip-Hop": an exploration of the hip-hop cultural movement's impact on the culture of Andalucia. His directorial debut in narrative filmmaking, "Divine Intervention" has won several awards at film festivals throughout the nation.

Upon graduating, Drew worked for the independent film production company Mockingbird Pictures in Los Angeles before joining the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps in Charleston, SC for a year-long commitment to public service in the Southeastern region of the United States. Along with his teammates he completed projects with the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, New Orleans Habitat for Humanity and Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee. Drew also served as a teacher for the North Charleston Public School system, teaching Art, Spanish and ESL.

Drew is stoked to live in such a uniquely diverse part of the world as Northern California and workin an environment with such good vibes here at Riekes Center. When he's not making movies, you can find Drew playing tennis or basketball or somewhere deep in the woods conversing with the Owls.

"What's inspiring about the Riekes Center is the resounding energy created by people with so many different goals interacting- sharing our passion for our individual crafts and sports."

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