Biography
Chrystian Tracey was born in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. He embarked on his artistic career as a teenager, pursuing ambitions in music while performing in local punk rock venues with the Detroit-based band, the Young Turks. However, his focus on music was altered when hearing loss compelled him to retire prematurely. Undeterred, he directed his creative focus towards filmmaking, enrolling at the University of Michigan.
During his time at the university, Tracey's academic pursuits in the legal field converged with his artistic endeavors as he delved into researching the social and economic challenges that afflicted Detroit during the 2008 economic crisis.
Under the mentorship of Pulitizer Prize winning investigative journalist M.L. Elrick and with the guidance of Executive Producer H. James Gilmore, he embarked on his debut project, "In the Red" (2012). This documentary offered a penetrating examination of the shortcomings of social welfare programs in Michigan, particularly in the urban areas where he grew up, earning Tracey early accolades, including the university's top prize for multimedia presentations.
Subsequently, he was awarded a full scholarship in media studies and granted the opportunity to undertake his senior thesis in film. Collaborating closely with Professor Jennifer Proctor, he honed his skills in narrative storytelling, cinematography, and direction, resulting in his next project, "A Conversation with Angels" (2013). This endeavor showcased his adeptness at crafting compelling narratives while demonstrating his continued proficiency in visual storytelling.
In a pivotal step towards establishing his presence, he founded The Motion Pictures of Chrystian Tracey LLC, a limited liability company bearing his name, upon graduation. This strategic move solidified his commitment to his craft and provided a dedicated platform for the rule free production of his motion pictures.
Subsequently, he first explored mixed media filmmaking in "Bambolina," a project that incorporated public domain footage of John Wayne in a rare villainous role, while showcasing an approach to storytelling across various mediums.
Afterward, his focus shifted nearly exclusively to public domain material, infusing classic stories with his distinctive vision. Notable examples include "Christ Of The Living Dead" (2022), "Sherlock Moans" (2023), and "The Michigan Ice Skate Massacre (2023)."
Recently, Tracey has showcased his creativity through projects that utilize dolls as central characters, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in unconventional ways. His works in this domain include "Erica" (2019), "Delly" (2020) and "Celeste Versus The Lesbian Nazi Zombie Hookers From The Planet Neptune" (2025), all of which exemplify his ability to imbue inanimate objects with depth and emotion.
With a burgeoning portfolio that reflects his commitment to addressing societal issues through the lens of filmmaking, Chrystian Tracey aims to create thought-provoking works in the world of independent cinema.
