RYAN PIERS WILLIAMS

Ryan Piers Williams is an accomplished American filmmaker and artist, renowned for his contributions to both the cinematic and creative spheres.  Williams was born and raised in El Paso, Texas where he graduated from J.M. Hanks High School.  He holds a degree in Film Production from the esteemed School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.

Williams' directorial debut, THE DRY LAND, made a significant impact when it premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  This emotionally charged film chronicles the challenging journey of a U.S. soldier returning from active duty, skillfully portraying the tension between his wartime experiences and his life in Texas. Boasting a stellar cast, including Ryan O'nan, America Ferrera, Melissa Leo, Wilmer Valderrama, and Jason Ritter, THE DRY LAND earned critical acclaim, securing prestigious awards such as the Grand Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival and the Best International Feature Award at the 64th Edinburgh International Film Festival.  It was released both theatrically and digitally.

In 2014, Williams expanded his directorial repertoire with X/Y, a compelling drama exploring the intricate romantic entanglements of a group of friends in New York City.  The film, featuring talents like America Ferrera, Melonie Diaz, Common, David Harbour, Amber Tamblyn, and Dree Hemingway, premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.

Currently, Williams is in the development stages of his upcoming feature film, STARING AT THE SUN. This project has garnered recognition, receiving the San Francisco Film Society / KRF Filmmaking grant for its screenplay.  His dedication to storytelling earned him the honor of being one of the Austin Film Festival's 25 Screenwriters to Watch, Presented by MovieMaker, in association with his work on STARING AT THE SUN.

Beyond filmmaking, Williams expresses his creativity through various artistic mediums, including painting, photography, and video.  His artistic endeavors delve into the complex facets of human nature, vividly illustrated in his MONSTERS & LANDSCAPES series, which debuted in New York City.  A second solo art exhibition, SCHISMATIX, premiered at the George Billis Gallery in Los Angeles, further showcasing his introspective artistry.

In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Williams co-founded HARNES, a 501c(3) non-profit organization in 2016, alongside America Ferrera and Wilmer Valderrama.  HARNESS is a dynamic community uniting activists, artists, and leaders who understand the transformative power of storytelling.  Under Williams's guidance as Chairman of the Board, HARNESS endeavors to shape a more just future through the art, influence, and actions of its members.

Williams is an ardent advocate for social causes, dedicating significant time and energy to his role at HARNESS.  His multifaceted contributions continue to make a meaningful impact in both the creative and philanthropic realms.

In 2023, Williams added another accolade to his resume, playing a supporting role in the global sensation film, BARBIE, portraying the character of El Esposo de Gloria.