About

Kjell Redal is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and aspiring public defender.

His work has appeared with The National Geographic Channel, Outside Magazine, The Seattle Times, Ariat, 20th Century Fox, NASA, Stone Glacier, The Weather Channel, Chase Bank, Kayak Angler Magazine, FREESKIER Magazine, Zeal Optics, Trail Runner Magazine, VICE TV, Hennessy, Coca-Cola, and Honda, among others.  

Trained as a journalist, Kjell photographed the likes of Barack Obama, Border Patrol agents, NASA scientists, Sue Bird, and Ice Cube — but his passion lies in pursuing stories that live beyond the obvious — in voices shaped by resilience, in storms rolling over high peaks, and in hands calloused by work. Kjell’s background has taught him to move slowly, listen deeply, and earn trust. He built on these experiences when he decided to attend law school. Kjell plans to use similar narrative skills to directly advocate for clients on graduation.  Whether pointing a lens or building a legal defense, Kjell’s belief in the power of storytelling to protect, change, and galvanize is what guides his work.

Awards:

-Winner | Miami Short Film Festival

“Best Documentary" for adventure documentary "FLOTSAM" - also featured by Outside and admitted to 15 national and international film festivals

-Winner | Bend Film Festival

“Audience Choice Award" for feature-length adventure documentary ADAPTED, on which Kjell was the Director of Photography

-Winner | Society of Professional Journalists Regional Mark of Excellence

"Best In-Depth Reporting" for investigative story "Lawyer: WWU Defies Labor Law"

-Winner | Society of Professional Journalists National Mark of Excellence

"Best National Online Digital Feature Video" for science documentary "Troubled Waters"

-Official Selection:

5 Point Film Festival

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Indie Shorts Awards NYC

Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival

Atlanta Shortsfest

Wasatch Mountain Film Festival

Miami Short Film Festival

San Jose International Short Film Festival

jellyFEST

Miami Independent Film Festival

Fort Meyers Beach International Film Festival

Lyons International Film Festival

Paddling Film Festival

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Paonia Film Festival

Education:

-Lewis & Clark Law School - J.D. Candidate - 2026

-Western Washington University - B.A. - Visual Journalism & History - 2017

Contact Info:

kjelltristanredal@gmail.com