Jane Chirwa

JANE CHIRWA (she/her) began dancing at a young age and found her way to acting through a youth theater club. Even during her formal training, she collaborated with her fellow students to write and perform original pieces, which is why her portfolio also includes self-produced short films. For the Mannheim-born artist, creative expression is an essential outlet—whether through acting, dance, painting, music, or creating safer spaces. She takes her art to places burdened with fear, shame, and prejudice, working to break these barriers down step by step. She challenges the “this is how we've always done it” mindset, fostering spaces where people inspire one another and dare to try something new. In her experience, this works best when there is a foundation of trust, respect, honesty, and transparency. Jane enjoys working in collectives where various departments are invited to contribute, and the more diverse the group, the better. HOMESHOPPER’S PARADISE (directed by Nancy Mac Granaky-Quaye), featuring Jane in the lead role as the punk Lisa, premiered at the Hof International Film Festival and the Max Ophüls Preis Festival and has been available on the ARD Mediathek since December 2023. With CLASHING DIFFERENCES, directed by award-winning filmmaker Merle Grimme, she celebrated a main cast premiere at the Munich Film Festival 2023. The film won the FIRST STEPS AWARD, premiered at the Raindance Festival, and was nominated for the JUPITER AWARD. In 2023, Jane co-founded the production company JABEZA FILMS alongside Benita Bailey.