Creator Highlight: Crystal Justine

By: Myriam Akbar

Meet Crystal Justine—a writer and content creator based in Nashville; however, she’s originally from Las Vegas. She’s the founder of TheCinemaNook.com and co-runs the website, writing both feature articles and film reviews. She’s been creating cinema-based content on social media for about 3.5 years now. Justine is passionate, driven, and focused—as shown through her work. 

Justine discovered her love of film at a young age. “I have fond memories of going to the video store with my parents and getting to pick out movies from the family section,” she says. She recalls watching An American Tail, The Goonies, and Hook. In elementary school, she’d watch Nick at Nite while her parents thought she was sleeping. In terms of television, she enjoyed watching Taxi and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. “I honestly don't think there's a genre of film or television that I dislike. I enjoy them all at different levels. I'm a very mood driven watcher,” Justine shares. The genres she’s drawn to the most are horror, thriller, and fantasy. A few of her favorite films are The Truman Show, Spirited Away, Parasite, and The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. She highlights Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and Law & Order: SVU as some of her favorite shows. “What I love most about storytelling in film isn’t genre, it’s when commentary is being made. I love a story that has something deeper to say whether that's socially, psychologically, or philosophically,” she says. 

Justine says started making content on a whim, but became more passionate after considering the ability to build community and network. “I think a lot of people get into content creation with the ambition of becoming full-time influencers. I have always seen it as a vehicle to reach my dreams, while meeting and connecting with others along the journey,” she says. When asked to describe her experience, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her own wellbeing to combat the impact social media has on our mental health. Justine explains that for her, posting on the internet is an act of giving herself and her energy. So she posts when it feels right for her, rather than when her content will get her the most views. “I personally create content to build connections. I may not post daily, but what I do share has been enough to open meaningful doors both professionally and personally. I've built solid business relationships and friendships I feel will last,” she shares. Along with networking and community, she has acquired opportunities like covering film festivals as press. In 2025, she covered SXSW, the Dallas International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and the Nashville Film Festival. She recently went to Austin, TX to cover SXSW again this year.

When asked what’s to come for her in the near future, Justine revealed that she’s starting a podcast this year called Lights Camera Lattes. It will be a solo project that she describes as a cozy space where she can not only talk about film and television, but the processes behind it. She will also be doing deep dives into the themes and commentaries within the stories. “I think with my background in Philosophy, writing, and film–I can bring something different and refreshing to the table,” she explains. 

Justine’s passion for filmmaking stems from childhood. “I've wanted to be a filmmaker since I saw Good Will Hunting. I don't know what about this film resonated with me at 11 years old, but I remember paying attention to it differently. The visuals, Robin William's monologue, and the heavy feeling of the story,” she says. Screenwriting is her favorite aspect of filmmaking, having written two short films that have been made. She’s currently writing everything from shorts and features, to television pilots. One short film is a horror, while the other is a drama. She’s also part of a group that participates in the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project annually towards the end of Summer. Currently, Justine is producing a feature length documentary, which has been in production since last year.

“My long-term goals are vast. My mind sees everything in scenes and stories,” Justine says, when asked where she sees herself down the line. Her plans  include: turning her film and television ideas into pieces of art for the world to see, continuing writing and producing, and directing a feature. She’s also taking the time to learn more about music, in order to create a score and all that goes on behind the camera. Most importantly, she’s on the hunt to find filmmakers and technicians that are passionate about the craft–to build a team of people to work with from project to project. “Movies take a village and finding my people is important to me,” she says.