I recall watching my first Scorsese film. It was Goodfellas. I was in my preteens to teenage years. From that moment on, I became addicted to his films. I couldn’t get enough. I started watching everything I could find. I even watched The Big Shave. The one thing I will never forget was when I first watched Taxi Driver.
I was still in my preteen to early teenage years. I can still remember being drawn into Rober De Niro’s character, Travis’ awkward behavior. From his awkward approach of watching and stalking women from a distance to his conversations and demeaning behavior. It was the first time I ever really watched a character whose mental state was abnormal.
It had put an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach that made it hard for me to watch. Even though he was made to be the hero for saving the young girl from her pimp, I never forgot the strangeness of his behavior. The conversation he has with the secret service agent was another uneasy scene that left me feeling uncomfortable. It was one of the first times I thought to myself, I don’t know if I could ever watch this again.
It took me a long time before I was ever able to. It reminded me of a similar film I had seen that left me very uneasy, A Woman Under the Influence. The strange and abnormal behaviors were new to me and I never understood why people would think or act this way. I wasn’t mature enough to understand the sychology behind it. In fact, it took me so long before I was able to watch it, it wasn’t until after I took Scorsese’s masterclass that I was able to watch it again. In there, he had talked about the iconic scene where De Niro is talking to himself in the mirror. He breaks down the scene and how they were able to shoot it. I found it fascinating. He had mentioned they only had enough money to rent the room for a few hours. It took forever to set everything up and they never really got the shot they needed. The landlord was banging on the door telling them they needed to get out. They kept the door shut and ignored him and just started rolling the camera. He called action and De Niro started improvising. I remember hearing him talk about this and being astonished, that a master of directing, was working under conditions like this. Not only did he speak of the lack of time he had but also, when he sent the audio in to get cleaned up and the people sent it back saying this was the worst audio they ever heard and there was nothing they could do about it. He points out all the different sounds in the background.
The airplane flying, the sirens, people yelling. He said that’s what it sounds like in a New York City apartment and he kept it all in there. It was after hearing all these hurdles that I had to go back and give it another rewatch.
Not much changed for me after watching it as an adult. I, however, was able to side with him being the hero. I was able to see past the ignorance and social awkwardness to find the true sympathy that lies deep within. It will always be uneasy and unsettling to watch characters with these abnormal behaviors and tendencies, but the way Scorsese is able to turn it around and make him the hero instead of the villain is completely mind blowing. It is for that reason, to give the hero some villainous tendencies and still make you love him is and forever will be iconic in the art of storytelling.
I am an artist who hails from a small town in Northern Canada, currently based in Toronto. I’ve worked all my life in music, theatre, film and television. I’ve also written books, plays and screenplays for ages, yet, it is with a sense of renewed vigour that I can declare that the past year has witnessed my evolution into the realm of filmmaking. In the past year I’ve made three short films; “Wild Music”, “Beat Speak” and I’m just wrapping up “Artists & Aliens”. It’s been a busy year!
–What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
When I was just a spry five-year-old, my dad marvelled at my keen eye for recognizing Veronica Lake on the silver screen. We were engrossed in the classic film “Sullivan’s Travels,” and he took a moment to elucidate that Miss Lake was merely pretending to be someone else up there on that celluloid canvas. Naturally, my curiosity piqued, and I fired back with the kind of question that only a child could conjure: “How much does it cost to pretend to be someone else?”
My father gently explained that this wasn’t some fanciful hobby, but a bona fide job, akin to teaching or working at a bank. It was in that very moment, as the flickering light of the silver screen danced in our living room, that I knew the path I wanted to tread. I yearned to be an artist. A filmmaker weaving tales, an actor embodying characters, a musician serenading the soul, and a painter splashing emotions on canvas. Expressing myself through various forms of artistry has always been my muse, my joy, my raison d’être.
My career, to the casual observer, might seem like a whirlwind of ceaseless activity, each day more frenetic than the last. But I’ve had a lifelong dance with insomnia. Sleep has been an elusive mistress for me, and rather than fretting over it, I’ve chosen to embrace the stillness of the night as a canvas for creation. My sleepless nights have been the crucible where ideas are forged, stories are spun, and inspiration blossoms. Even during COVID, Lockdown just helped me focus on my writing.
From the extravagant Busby Berkeley musicals that sent my senses soaring to the far-flung landscapes of the original “Planet of The Apes,” I draw inspiration from myriad sources. Whether it’s the sparkle of a showbiz performance or the profound depth of a thought-provoking film, I love it all.
–Do you think cinema can make changes in society?
Certainly! ART, in its myriad forms, undoubtedly wields a profound influence upon our society. This influence is not always in the direction of progress, ha – but I maintain a steadfast belief that even the darkest of circumstances can serve as catalysts for positive change. Also, some of the worst films I’ve ever seen inspire me. (Thank you Ed Wood!)
In this contemporary epoch, we may find ourselves besieged by an abundance of extravagantly budgeted cinematic spectacles bereft of genuine passion and substance. Yet, amidst this apparent deluge of mediocrity, we discover a silver lining: the independent film scene has never been more vibrant. I am constantly encountering fresh talents within this industry, individuals brimming with enthusiasm and creativity, unburdened by cynicism, eager to share their cinematic prowess with the world.
–What are some of the biggest challenges in filmmaking?
The cinematic endeavour and its multifaceted nature presents quite the formidable challenge. Personally, I’ve been fortunate in having recently completed three short films.
In my favour, I’ve been graced with the presence of a remarkable producer, Michele Silva-Neto, as well as an ensemble of exceptional talents in my cast and crew. Over the past year, I’ve gleaned a profound lesson: the pivotal significance of a capable editor. In this realm, I am fortunate to have the skilled hands of Rick Bartram, while my longtime friend, Jono Grant, lends his auditory wizardry as the sound editor.
The crux of success lies in the art of surrounding oneself with individuals possessing superior knowledge, devoid of unwieldy egos. When this delicate balance is achieved, the arduous journey of filmmaking can, remarkably, feel like a party! When a film is done on time and on budget, no accidents and no arguments…wow. Just…wow!
–What change would you like to see in the world?
It seems to me our biggest challenge is to just get along. Allow people to be different and have different opinions. The funny thing is, if you don’t agree with what I just said – it must be ok – it’s just a different opinion!
–Where do you think movies are going in the next 100 years?
I harbour no trepidation in the face of AI, CGI, or any such acronymic innovations. Genuine art emanates from the depths of the human soul. The era of films solely reliant on dazzling effects, I dare say, is destined for obsolescence. Having said that, I personally love working with Green Screen sometimes, but that is because one of my oldest friends, Jason J. Brown is a human marvel when it comes to designing sets for my sci-fi comedies!
Presently, we witness a burgeoning appreciation for independent cinema across generations, a testament to the enduring allure of authentic narrative. I feel like I am in the right place at the right time!
Destin Gerek is an emerging filmmaker, director, author, and sexologist driven by a sense of purpose to positively impact humanity through the power of cinema. Having struggled to find healthy role models growing up, Gerek felt compelled to be part of presenting new paradigms, particularly around masculinity and sexuality. This passion led him to write the book “The Evolved Masculine”, which shares his personal journey of exploring masculine identity, reinventing harmful narratives around manhood, and integrating the masculine and feminine in order to provide insights and an aspirational model of conscious masculinity for men today. It also led him to recently write, produce, and direct his first short film “Seductive Devotion” which explores sacred sexuality and healing through devotional relating.
As a filmmaker, Gerek aims to present new perspectives on relationships and intimacy through emotional storytelling. He believes that film and media have immense power to reprogram society’s associations. Through his cinematic work, he hopes to help heal ancestral wounds around relating and support the empowerment of the feminine. Gerek aims to present relatable models of conscious masculinity, intimacy, and sexuality that inspire people to connect in uplifting ways.
Gerek is eager to nurture the growth of these ideas by distributing his films widely. Overall, Destin Gerek is a multi-faceted creator driven by a sense of purpose and mission to positively impact humanity through various mediums. As a filmmaker, author, and sexologist, he is committed to being part of presenting new models and perspectives that support conscious living and relating. Gerek believes in the immense power of storytelling to gradually seed ideas that can take root and blossom in society’s collective consciousness.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
My path to filmmaking began with a desire to shift mainstream media’s limiting narratives around intimacy and healthy relating, which had contributed to my own painful relationship patterns growing up.
In my 20s, discovering the world of Tantra and sacred sexuality opened my heart and mind. I was struck by how sex could be an avenue for deep spiritual connection and growth, not just base pleasure. Yet I noticed these powerful concepts were often relegated to esoteric books and workshops, not represented in mainstream film and media. I realized film’s incredible power to subtly seed ideas through emotional storytelling. I wanted to share the messages of sacred sexuality with wider audiences through the alchemy of cinema, and present healthy models of intimacy and relating that are grounded and nurture empathy.
A formative experience was being cast by avant-garde feminist artist Penny Slinger in a film trailer over 15 years ago, based on her Sexual Secrets book. Serving as on-screen talent for this artistic genius, who explored divine feminine themes far ahead of her time, made a deep impact on me.
Although the full film was never made, glimpsing the creative process firsthand inspired me for years, eventually motivating me to direct my first short film, Seductive Devotion, which explores healing intimacy. By nurturing its distribution, I hope to gradually reprogram limiting sexual narratives. I believe cinema can transform perspectives on sex and relating, healing ancestral wounds. Penny showed me film’s potential for impact. My dream is to subtly shift mainstream portrayals toward sacred sexuality and conscious relating, planting seeds that blossom for generations.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Absolutely. I wholeheartedly believe in film’s power to catalyze societal change on a large scale. Cinema has an unmatched capacity to introduce new ideas and perspectives into the minds of audiences worldwide. The most impactful films leave viewers emotionally affected, with their outlook on life, people, or certain situations forever shifted.
After exiting the theater, the concepts planted by an insightful film continue to ripple outwards, informing conversations, relationships, choices. When these ideas reach millions of minds, real societal change becomes possible.
My goal as a filmmaker is to craft stories that challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and open hearts. If I can play even a small role in shifting mindsets through cinema, I will feel my purpose has been fulfilled. Every great movement begins with new ideas; film provides a vehicle to spread those ideas far and wide. Rather than preach, cinema can gently nudge humanity’s evolution through the power of story. That catalytic potential is why I believe in film as a change agent so deeply.
-What would you change in the world?
If I could change one thing in the world, it would be expanding our culture’s limited beliefs around sexuality, intimacy and gender. There is so much shame, fear and trauma rooted in those narrow narratives.
I envision a world where sexuality is sacred, intimacy uplifting, and every person free to embrace their full humanity beyond rigid gender expectations. AND where we also rediscover the beauty of healthy masculine and feminine energies.
Too often, masculine and feminine are seen as limiting boxes rather than gifts offering great power for good. We must open space for people to explore the full spectrum of their being AND reclaim the sacred aspects of masculine and feminine connection.
Through cinema, I aim to seed new models showing this balance. Stories revealing healthy masculine expression that uplifts the feminine. And healthy feminine empowerment that inspires men’s highest selves. Models focused on mutual understanding and bringing out our shared best.
If we plant these ideas now, future generations may grow up in a society where sexuality is sacred, intimacy deepened by polarity, and every person empowered to live into their full potential inclusive of both energies. The stories we tell today can midwife that future.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
I imagine the film industry will continue diversifying and becoming more personalized and interactive. Individuals’ ability to create cinematic stories will expand exponentially as AI capabilities merge with human imagination. Talented storytellers who tap into universal themes will still spread impactful narratives worldwide.
If humanity survives the next 100 years, it will be because we’ve evolved our consciousness beyond separation and competition into interconnected oneness. If not, we will have destroyed ourselves through disconnection.
Assuming a more conscious society, I envision filmmakers being highly intentional about using cinema’s power to direct humanity’s growth. What future do we want to create? How can films reflect and shape our consciousness?
In an enlightened age, movies could expand our sense of possibility, helping envision and manifest a better world. Cinema would uplift the human spirit rather than numb it. This gives me hope that film has limitless potential to catalyze our evolution of consciousness, if we use it wisely. The stories we begin telling today can determine our trajectory for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Creator of Heaven and Earth Ahayah Asher Ahayah the Father Yashiya the Son and His Set Apart Spirit Rawach is Uniqueness. And He gifted us, Heiress and Azia with the name Uniqueness on Earth to tell His creations us as a people that we all have Uniqueness and to embrace it by embracing Him. Not to compare ourselves or try to be like someone else. We love being married and sharing our life together in His Uniqueness while sharing ours.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
We prayed about how to deliver Yashiya’s message to all and the Father told us to use film as one of the many ways to convey His conceptual themes and mysteries to His children.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Yes absolutely! Cinema can and does bring forth change to society, in some cases good and in other cases very bad, this is completely depending on the film makers intentions and motives with the art delivered. We have a deep passion for creating in love and desire everything we do including cinema to bring forth the beauty of Yashiya in the earth and all who reside within it.
-What would you change in the world?
What we would change in the world is the misconceptions our brothers and sisters have about looking to our fellow man for answers about life and how to live it. We all need to repent, follow the Law Statutes and Commandments of Yashiya because the laws are absolutely not done away with as we have been taught, also with Prayer and fasting we must seek the Almighty Creator Ahayah through His Son Yashiya for answers about everything because He is the one that created you and He has the instruction manual on life, if we would humble ourselves and seek Him wholeheartedly we will receive all the answers.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
Where we see the film industry in the next 100 years is beyond comprehension because the seeds are being sown right now. These big money production teams and directors do not in anyway automatically equal masterpieces. Those souls that can let the Omniscience, Omnipotence and the Omnipresence of the Most High Ahayah through His precious Son Yashiya be conveyed from Divinity into this earth realm be seen and delivered to the masses will literally do things never seen or heard before that’s where the film industry is headed. To see a shift of massive prosperity in life and film where creativity is the first ingredient we must be prepared to understand through wisdom where that ingredient sprouted from and in case those reading do not know this is the main ingredient that this recipe of creativity was generated from.
John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, & the Word was with Ahayah, and the Word was Ahayah. The same was in the beginning with Ahayah. All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us & we beheld his glory, the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.” 1611 King James Version (KJV)
Ahayah being love and uniqueness created the first film that there ever was the most beautiful artistic original display, life itself! Ahayah and His creation will never be outdone for He is unmatched nothing created will ever be better than what He has done and will do.
I grew up an observant introvert with a love of art early in life. I wrote my first story, Lost Atlantis, at the age of 13. It was through stories that I would like to draw in attempt to tell a story in a single frame, awarded Best Artist at the age 14 in middle school. I initially pursued a career in robotics engineering, but changed my path after a film studies professor recognized my talent and passion for filmmaking. I went on to study mass communications at the University of Michigan-Flint, where I had the opportunity to work at the University affiliated Public Broadcasting Service TV station. I then moved to Southern California to attend Chapman University, where I earned my MFA in film production with an emphasis in all areas of filmmaking. I hope to have the opportunity to work on larger budget films to make timeless and memorable movies.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
I was initially inspired by the psychology of film rather than the process of filmmaking. Learning how the parts were assembled was the first step in my desire to tell a story in my own way as a filmmaker. Though, it’s only fair to say I was most influenced by Steven Spielberg. I continue to study the influences of modern-day directors, like studying Ford, Kubrick, DeMille, and Kurosawa.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
I believe stories can change individuals that might have an impact on society. It will be a collective of these individuals that might have a greater impact on society. Having the opportunity to influence a person’s thinking and perception is an opportunity to change society. These might be future politicians or decision makers of a global economy. Helping shape one’s thoughts through cinema is the art I hope to achieve.
-What would you change in the world?
Educate the underprivileged, defend the weak, uplift hope with proven results.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
Even if the big 10 studios in the United States decides to limit Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film, I believe the film industry will be nearly dominated by AI. The resources will be readily available by other countries and profits will most likely take precedence, meaning a reduction in the workforce. Filmmaking may be guided by one or two individuals but will become automated and, most likely, done successfully. It is the short term, success of individuals creating the AI will eventually overcome the number of individuals manually creating films. With every new generation that arises, art will be redefined through their eyes regardless of whether it was created by human hands or AI because it will be generally accepted.
Robert L Butler Jr is an award-winning indie actor, writer, director, and filmmaker who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, Robert has demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility throughout his career, captivating audiences with his remarkable performances and creative vision. He has won 364 awards and 140 nominations. : Mr. Butler’s pride and joy are his films, “The Alliance” which has won 161 awards and 94 nominations and the sequel “The Alliance 2 The Hunt for Breeze ” which has won 322 awards and 59 nominations. He also directed a music video for The Alliance 2 The Hunt for Breeze and it has won 21 awards and 4 nominations.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
When I watched Bruce Lee’s movie, Enter The Dragon, at a drive-in movie theater, seeing a minority person in a lead role so amazing that it was my inspiration to become an actor and filmmaker.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
It all depends on the content and how its received by the public and media.
-What would you change in the world?
The social injustice and discrimination that is sadly till happening today.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
With the way technology is steadily advancing, I would not be surprised if AI will be doing movies.
My name is Damiano Rossi, I have always lived in a splendid town called Sarcedo in the province of Vicenza, Italy.
I made my first short film entitled TALITA l’abandonment in the summer of 2019, which was followed by LACRIME DI VENTO in 2020, then SMELL OF PAIN-T in 2022 and then Lil in 2023. I’m currently working on two other projects that will see the light at the end of the year or perhaps next year.
They are very different works, both in terms of weaving of images and in terms of approach, but always with the female figure at the center with all its implications and difficulties of fitting into a world that is often discriminatory and of abysmal stupidity. In my opinion, interpersonal relationships have taken on a downward inclination that is now unstoppable and decidedly incomprehensible and if one wanted to analyze the causes without a sufficiently deep conscience one would end up doing pure academic disquisition, completely useless and sterile.
Defining myself as a director would not be correct as I have never attended a directing school nor have I taken courses even at an amateur level. I simply try to put together the images, sounds and concepts that buzz in my head so that everything is harmonious and fluid (I have always been helped in this by Michele Guazzo who takes care of the technical part of editing and sound design and the whose help is indispensable to me). I prefer to convey concepts rather than narratives in my films because in my opinion simply transposing a story or novella directly onto film, perhaps making use of endless dialogues and explanations, doesn’t make much sense.
Cinema, in my opinion, should basically be image, then sound and then dialogue. I believe that for a long time now we have been going in the opposite direction, or in search of grotesque superheroes, although I would like to say, a lot of independent cinema presents truly extraordinary works.
l’m one of those crazy people who navigates around with a camera, two lights, a recorder and practically no budget. Although what we do may be totally irrelevant to people and the film industry, I feel very good on the margins. I guess over time I might get over it and 1’11 submit a project to Netflix that they won’t even read, but for now l’m happy telling the stories I want to tell with the means I have and with the people I can count on to do it.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
lt’s a very difficult question because the truth is that I don’t even remember it. What I am clear about is that this inspiration didn’t even come to me like the majority of film directors of my generation who say that when they were little they spent all day watching space movies, horror movies, westerns… and they said to themselves, I want to make this. l’m not even a big movie buff, I haven’t seen all the movies I should see nor have I spent my childhood at the video store. I really like the movies that I like, without more. I think my attraction to cinema carne a little later. I seem to remember that a series on ltalian neorealism that was broadcast on television when I was 12 or 13 years old was what gave me that impulse to want to make films. 1 discovered through those films that cinema was not an instrument that only served to entertain us with stories of the good guys, the bad guys, the girl and things that explode against the 1 have nothing and I like them too, but through it we could tell stories that talk about normal people in certain contexts of our history, which are the that really interest me.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Obviously not. Maybe it can serve to make people aware of certain problems or make us see the world from other points of view than our own and that makes us think. But when the movie ends, the viewer is the same as he was befare watching it and society continues to be governed by the same values: Money and power. 1 hope to be wrong.
-What would you change in the world?
What question! I’ll start at the beginning. There are many things that we would all like to change and in my opinion they all stem from the same problem of inequality, if we were all born with the same opportunities I think the world would be better, at least fairer. But the balance is already unbalanced from the start, perhaps because all people are not equal, sorne are stronger, others more intelligent, others were born in countries with more natural resources… I think that if I could change something I would change the future, it’s very scary.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
Everything indicates that the future of the film industry will be conditioned by new technologies. On the one hand, platforms and the internet in general are putting an end to traditional movie theaters, which I don’t know if they will end up disappearing or will be reinvented by taking advantage of technology with sensory, holographic, multidimensional projections… that make the viewer recover. On the other hand, we are witnessing the birth of artificial intelligence that is already being applied to the film sector and that will be increasingly used. In short, I see a film industry in which a bad computer scientist is going to be more important than an excellent cinematographer. We will have to start studying computer science in case we are not still alive in 100 years.
One Woman, Many Hats! Valérie Verseau is the Founder and CEO of Planet Faith Entertainment, a multi-media content studio based in Los Angeles, whose primary focus right now is to produce Songs and Music Videos.
Prior to creating Planet Faith Entertainment, Valérie started her career as a photographer, working for more than a decade for the renowned Press Agency CORBIS SYGMA, in Paris, France. As a famed photographer, she spent most of her time on movie sets, working on numerous Award Winning Films, and directing shoots of many motion picture stars, in Europe, and in the US.
Her pictures have been sought after by leading publications, movie studios, and were utilized for movie posters. Along the way, Valérie studied dance, acting, music, screenwriting, and sound engineering, which lead her to eventually become a composer, a writer, a director and a producer.
Her goal with Planet Faith Entertainment is to produce Songs and Music Videos with uplifting messages for humanity, to inspire people to grow their self-esteem, and develop their full potential.
To embody that, Valérie created the concept “THE EYE VOICE”.
More than a single artist, “THE EYE VOICE” is a Family of Artists, produced by Planet Faith Entertainment. Each song and music video performed by “THE EYE VOICE” has, or can have a different artist. With “THE EYE VOICE”, the star of the show is the message of the song! Valérie is now producing a Rap Remix of “LOVE IS MY GUN”, with an upcoming rap Artist, and her and her team are developing its music video.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
I was raised in a family where it was all about making films. Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated by Hollywood musicals, the association of dance, music and images.
When I was a teen, my stepfather became a famous writer/director so I was always in the presence of people taking about movies, and making movies!
To me, it was a natural way of living! When I became a photographer, working on movie sets also inspired me to take that next step. But what inspired me the most are the incredible stories you can live watching films, that you would never experiment in real life. Movies are a projection of our lives, but also a projection of our dreams and imagination onto a screen. It is a fabulous way to express and share visions about our world and the worlds we don’t see, the ones that only our imagination can create and translate to a human mind. That is why movies are such an extraordinary vehicle to spread messages, and bring to the world yet unknown universes.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Definitely. A great movie, as a great song or a great novel, can influence some people in the audience that will act upon what they have perceived, and will participate in making a change in the world.
-What would you change in the world?
If I had a magic wand, I would make sure that all wars come to an end, and that every human being can live beyond the “survival mode” of living. I would also make sure that all animals are treated with the utmost care, which is not the case on our planet, and that every human would have enough awareness to respect all forms of life.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
I hope that people will still have enough passion to keep writing and making films, and enough courage to get them financed. The TV series and streaming platforms have taken such a huge place in the industry right now, and in the audience lives, that we might think that in a 100 years from now, there will be no movie theaters at all. But, the experience of going to the movies to watch an epic film in a great theatre is so magic and unique, that I think that there will always be some movies made and some movie theaters, and an audience for it! At least, we can dream about it!
I am a full time dreamer. I spend practically all my time in my mind imaginating things, creating worlds, stories and inventing. After studying 5 years in Paris in a filmschool studying to become an assistant director and an editor/special effect artist. I worked in a first company in Paris as an assistant director on a french tv show called “Lazy company” and worked on corporate editing projects for different kind of companies. After one year and a half, I became an assistant editor as well as an editor for a sci fi French tv show called Metal Hurlant Chronicles sold in a lot of countries in the world. It was an adaptation of the French comic book “Métal hurlant” which help to launch a lot of talented reknown such as Moebius and Alejandro Jodorowski. For the anecdote it was adapted into a magazine and an animated film in the US in the eighties. I did learn a lot during this experience as I managed a lot of different role and had to supervise a team as well.
After this massive experience I travelled to Canada for a year as I wanted to discover and get inspired by new stuff. I spent eight months in Montréal working for a production company that created mostly commercial spot videos. It gave me the opportunity to confront myself to a bilingual and multicultural environment. I moved for a short time to Toronto where I had the chance to meet so many people that wanted to help me grow and especially in this industry. I felt really lucky to see all those arms opened just wanting to give me a hand. This short travel made me move to Vancouver where I did work as an editor on an animation movie. When I met the producer the project was in part realized but had no real direction. He gave me the free opportunity to cut the movie the way I felt it and finally he was glad to see the result. That was a huge achievement for me and really I’m honored to have received it.
As a dreamer and really curious guy, alongside all these experiences I put myself into writing and learning animation especially 3d animation. I think I am the kind of guy that’s driven by challenges that’s why it took me nearly four years to learn 3d just by myself. And believe me the challenge presented itself as I did my first short film entirely by myself with the help of a great friend for the sound design and the music. I tried to present it to some festivals and the projects finally received eight selections, which was kind of crazy. I didn’t expect this kind of attention.
Beside this project I published my first book which was a poetry book called “Méli mélo poétique”. The following years I really put myself into writing trying to develop as many stories and concept as I could.
A second book was born called “Fantastic stories from here and there” (Mora-Mora editorial) published in Spain in three languages: french, spanish, english for each stories inside of the same book. It took me about three years to release it with the editors.
Since then I wanted to push the boundaries more and more and be a little more ambitious. I travelled to Mexico for few weeks where I discovered a nest of wonderful artists which gave me tons of inspirations and the crazy idea of creating my own production company. That’s where the project “Luke and Oscar” appears. It took me three months to write and storyboard it. Then the project took another three months to be realized entirely. The objective was to see that if it could be appreciated by the public and the festivals. Rich of the success that it received (at the time it has passed the 39 selections in different countries and received 46 awards like Best short film, best cartoon, best director), I am starting to develop my own structure which is called Atom Studios which is located in Paris France and soon I hope in Mexico as well. Another exciting projects are coming through in the next few months which start with a short documentary called “The Chestnut House” that already earned a great welcome and permited me to receive 3 awards. A huge documentary project is building itself and will be realized in Mexico.
-What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Since I am a child, I have always watched all kind of movies and shows. The first shock I had being a child was to watch the Batman Animated Series who impressed me by his maturity even if it was more a child/family program. The narration of each episode was so efficient and well written. I spent my time analizing the structure of how it was built. I was always amazed to watch an episode and still now sometimes it happens that I watch one sometimes and it still dazzles me.
Maybe that were the first “symptoms” of me being attracted by animation and by this industry. Of course like any other kids I had watch most of the Walt Disney movies but the impact wasn’t as strong as it was for this series.
But the biggest cinematographic shock I received was when at the age of ten I saw Luc Besson’s “The Professional” that’s when I knew I really wanted to get into this industry. Making art would be a way to give back and transmit the feeling I had felt with these “shocks” through my movies and my stories so that people can dream, be amazed and be dragged into another dimension which could give them another sense or perspective about life.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
I think cinema can help bring a change into society because there are tons of subjects you can speak about and some which are kind of “taboo” and I think in that way it’s a great way of putting our society and the people in front of the problem we are going through.
Moreover the cinema is a great way of communicating emotions and maybe bring more humanity into the world we live now. With all the technologies and the way the society consume humans, I think it can help forge another perspective and maybe create a wave of change and rebellion against those models. Some films like for example “Easy Rider” reinvented something and helped see life in a different way, just living and experiencing life in all these aspects and his simple and best ways.
That kind of films have a big impact on the public and help shape new models and change mentality. I think seeing a movie is like learning a lesson that your family, your environment and even school will teach you during your life. And in that way I really think cinema can make a big difference to realize that change.
-What would you change in the world?
Probably the shaped society we lived in that controls everything and everyone. People have lost the way of what is it to accomplish a dream and I am not sure what the word “dream” means no more for a majority of people in the world. The other is building things that matter not just for the society but for everyone we cruelly missed that. You ask someone what he wants it will probably tell you being famous, have a lot of money and be an icon or what so ever. But in a lot of cases you don’t hear the word passion, love, excitement, humanity. So this is time we recover a bit of our humanity.
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
The film industry will keep reinventing itself by all means. But the way I see it with all the superheroes movies that are invading the cinemas these days and in the future. I think people will be tired and the industry will be gain by some sort of nostalgia. I’m not saying it will go backward but it will be nourish by old and traditional way of making movies. You can see now some big filmmakers like Martin Scorsese or Christopher Nolan complaining about the model used by Hollywood and the merchandising that’s gaining the film industry which in my opinion is quite sad. Cinema is an object of debate and entertainment so why not continuing combine them.
Another new model could be use with technologies is using avatar models of ancient actors to play in movies, like they did on one Star Wars movies. So that would the appearance or even the resurrection of old famous actors digitalized. The subject is quite used and well explained in the movie Ari Folman’s“The Congress” which tells the story of an actress that let the studios use her digital image to make a movie. Maybe that will be a way of making movies in the future. I don’t know if it will succeed but it’s a possibility.
