FILM
At just 5 years of age, George Takei was classified by the American government as an "enemy alien" and forcibly imprisoned in an internment camp with his family in 1942. Growing up, he noticed how very few people knew about his family's horrible experience. “I read all the history books that I could get my hands on, and there wasn’t a word about this chapter of American history,” explains Takei. Today, he's part of a growing m...
As a dreamer, the arising writer Elizabeth Soto-Lara never stopped believing in the power of the magic that lies within ourselves when we deeply want a dream to become reality. Her unique ability to empathize to the core with others has taken her to travel while fulfilling her dreams. The Mexican filmmaker has collaborated in projects around the globe and her work has been recognized in the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile and In...
The film Immortal boasts some very recognizable talent onscreen. One of the most impressive talents you won’t see in this film which recently premiered at Screamfest in Hollywood is the film’s music composer Kieran Kiely. While Kiely spent a large amount of time on the world’s biggest rock stages as Musical Director and band member for Grammy award-winning artist Sinead O’Connor or performing/recording with legendary musician...
Born and raised in India, Anju Purushot grew up in a family of filmmakers, knowing it was her destiny to one day do the same. As a celebrated producer, she has worked on many award-winning films and commercial campaigns for major companies like Du, Mars, PepsiCo, and more.
We had a chance to sit down and talk with this talented producer about her incredible journey, success, and what it takes to make it in such a competitive in...
As a production designer, Xiwen Zhang sees herself as a constructor of worlds. She can express her creativity through her work, with every choice contributing to the artistry of a film. What color suits a character? What backdrop can express their feelings in a single frame? These are an artist’s questions, and ones Zhang asks herself every day. Her canvas is a studio or shooting location, her brush is the props.
“I use my imag...
Rounders is a film that has grown to be part of poker culture since its release in 1998. After initially flopping at the box office, it’s rightly been recognized as a cult classic by those who caught the poker bug around the turn of the century.
It was way ahead of its time in terms of subject matter, poker exploded in popularity after the millennium, with Matt Damon and Edward Norton becoming a key part of that culture. It m...
Abigail (Yana Gold) has suffered a devastating loss. In the midst of her grieving she decides to tear down her Christmas tree, a sad reminder for her. This nine minute film quietly explores the isolation that many women feel after having suffered pregnancy loss. The film is co-written by Yana Gold and Jonathan Popalis, directed by Jonathan Popalis and masterfully shot by cinematographer Hadi Azer.
"We wanted to make Tanne...
As an in-demand cinematographer, Manuel Velásquez collaborates with teams of talented filmmakers every day to achieve stunning imagery on every project he takes on. He is extremely versatile, working on narrative films, commercials, music videos, and more, with the singular goal of entertaining the masses. He is an artist and a storyteller, with tremendous passion for what he does.
“People have many problems in life and often f...
Growing up in Bangkok, Thailand, a young Kantapan Vongkasikorn loved watching movies. He would immerse himself in film, coming up with ways to improve whatever he was watching, even as a child. As he grew, this passion only intensified, and he knew for his entire life that he was destined to one day make movies himself.
Now, Kantapan Vongkasikorn is known as Paint VK, a renowned film director. His films such as Friend Spirit, ...
One of the most critical aspects of any movie-watching experience is the sound. An epic battle wouldn’t be complete without the dynamic clanging of swords; a terrifying storm wouldn’t be the same without the crash of waves; a soft morning wouldn’t be as comforting without the birds chirping. Sound is half of the entertainment in any film or television show, and Cindy Takehara knows this well.
Takehara is a renowned sound design...
