Kim Shively is a filmmaker whose projects are largely interested in exploring representations of landscape, nature, and mortality in popular culture. Much of her work originates with the idea of the palimpsest – a surface or place on which texts, ideas, and histories are continually being created and erased. The traces of what’s left behind are where Shively’s work begins. She is also a compulsive documenter; her own archive often functions as inspiration and as material for future projects. She is currently in production on a project that explores the importance of D.I.Y. spaces and D.I.Y. culture in the 21st century.

Working within the D.I.Y. realm, Shively has made numerous music videos for the likes of Midwife, Echo Beds, and Jennifer. She has also been a long time collaborator and documenter at Titwrench, the long running music and arts festival which highlights feminist and queer perspectives in music and performance.

Shively began her work in film with the release of “Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides”. The feature-length documentary tracks the strange and energetic life of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most prolific –and bizarre –performers. Joy Rides received a Golden Hugo from the Chicago International Film Festival and set Shively on a career path that has earned her repeat distinctions including: appearances at a number of prestigious film festivals including Slamdance and SXSW, a Telly Award for editing on the documentary film “Still”, and a best music documentary award from Westword for the film “Warlock Pinchers: Will There be Blood?”.

Shively produces, shoots and edits her own work. She has worked on a wide array of documentary and commercial projects. A selection of her clients include; The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Redline Contemporary Arts Center, Human Rights Campaign, Fentress Architects, M12 Studio, Exhibit A Pictures, The Gill Foundation, and The Clyfford Still Museum.