My name is Reinhard Cate. I’m a Blacklist recommended screenwriter, filmmaker and storyteller.

I’m currently available for writing and directing assignments.

My screenplay “Terp”, an action thriller telling the story of an Afghan interpreter applying for Asylum in the United States, was selected by the Blacklist and Sundance Filmmaker Rafael Casal for the inaugural “Bay List” in 2025. The initiative recognized the top ten un-produced screenplays and pilots from San Francisco Bay Area writers. You can read about it in Deadline here.

For the better part of a decade, I’ve worked in house at Ripple Labs, leading video production and writing for marketing and events content across the globe. Prior to Ripple I cut my teeth as a journalist, Department of the Army Civilian and Economist. My writing, research and videos have taken me to two conflict zones and have been published nationally.

Corporate Production

I’ve scripted event and thought leadership content for executives, brand content and I’ve also created original series. My video work has racked up millions of views and has covered everything from event and brand videos, to customer case studies and corporate documentaries.

Screenwriting

My screenwriting work leans into gritty authentic stories that pull from my diverse background and perspective and leaves a lasting impact on audiences. I’ve written eight feature films, and three television pilots. My scripts have gotten recognition on industry sites like the Blacklist and won awards in contests including the Academy Nichol Fellowship, Austin Film Festival and Page International Screenwriting Awards.

Filmmaking

Throughout my career I’ve leveraged film as a medium to tell stories, including documentary film work in Europe, Israel and the West Bank and domestically in the United States. I’ve also written and directed two narrative short films. Arrowhead (2024) premiered at UCLA x Fest and SF Indie Fest. The Doorknob (2025) is currently in post-production.

Outside of my career, I’m a husband and a proud father of three. When I’m not on set, writing or with my family and two dogs, you can find me on the mats practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or shivering in frigid Northern California surfing lineups.

The photo in the previous section is from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem in 2010. Above is in Takhar Province of Afghanistan on the border with Tajikistan in. 2012.