Chris Temple

Chris Temple is an American documentary filmmaker and the co-founder of Optimist, a non-profit production studio based in Los Angeles. He was born on May 20, 1989, and co-founded Optimist in 2012 alongside Zach Ingrasci. The studio focuses on creating impactful films that address social issues and has produced several notable documentaries, including Living On One Dollar, Salam Neighbor, and Five Years North. These films have garnered international attention and have been distributed by platforms such as Netflix, HBO, and PBS.12

Temple's work has significantly contributed to raising over $91 million for poverty alleviation and refugee support initiatives. His films have premiered at prestigious festivals like Tribeca and DOCNYC, and he has received numerous accolades, including the 2016 Muslim Public Affairs Council Annual Media Award and recognition as one of the top 100 visionary leaders by YPO’s Real Leaders Magazine in 2015.12

In addition to his documentary work, Temple recently directed This Is Not Financial Advice, which explores modern investing psychology, and he is currently working on a feature film about Ethereum and its founder, Vitalik Buterin.1 His commitment to environmental causes is also evident as he is a founding individual member of 1% for the Planet.1