Month: September 2024

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

The creative use of black and white and color film to save money while making “A Man and a Woman” by French Director Claude Lelouch inspired me to become a filmmaker. As a theatre artist, I was inspired by Set Designer Robert Lewis Jones for his pure brilliance in every word he wrote in his book “The Dramatic Imagination.” Also, I was inspired by Actor Bill Pullman’s acting talents in the film “While You Were Sleeping” and the listening and conversation time he gave to me and others at an event of The Sinner. I was inspired by Director of Photography Christopher Nibley and his photography style, and for teaching me almost everything I know about filmmaking. Today, I am fascinated with Tim Burton’s creativity and want to be just like him.

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today to express one’s revolution through art?

Yes. That is true. The revolution against power can be the revolution against true creativity. Tim Burton wanted Michael Keaton to be his new Batman. His Batman revolutionized the world of comic books and Marvel history. Studio heads fought Burton on his choice for Batman. The issue is whether today’s directors and filmmakers can be true to the creator inside themselves. They would fight for the power inside themselves to create the work they want their films to live inside.

-We live in a world where war still exists. Do you believe that if art were more widely distributed through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

Yes, if art were more widely distributed through media and social networks the world would be a more peaceful place. Today’s world contains much to be dealt with by everyone from world leaders to every civilian of every nation. We are exposed to ongoing foreign and civil war, multilayered political strife internally, constitutional standstill, economic hardships, religious conflicts, and the innovative nature of revolutionary language. Revolutionary artists have always created innovative language and themes that change the world.

These themes are shown in an artistic way for many the first time in film, and through the dissemination of art from books to cinema in the media and social networks, the world changes. Art is identified and shared through directed content analysis of themes and patterns to describe three different aspects of the dissemination of information. Artistic information is shared through groups consisting of the confirmation of known knowledge, understanding additional unknown information and new artistic information. Artistic ideas shared move mountains. These uncovered resources are passed along to generations who can share cultural differences, heal, change, and grow the world. Art gives us hope, and through art, we save us from ourselves.

-Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

I am working on a short film, “Krishna and Ali,” about two men who support each other through missing parts or disabling handicaps in their physicality. They come from different worlds but are best friends. They bring hope to others like themselves by sharing their talent in art, poetry, and music. Art changed them. Krishna and Ali give away hope, sharing what they have created inside themselves despite handicaps, poverty, personal injury, prejudice, and death. This film seems very necessary in today’s world.

My next project is the feature film Cherzoso. Cherzoso is the long version of “Cherzoso The Silent Film” (the film I won my award for) with much more story explained! The themes of Cherzoso (family, clown-circus-performance, suicide, legal-law-police, sex work, and child trafficking) are dear to me. Thank you so much for recognizing my short film! Accordingly, this award has given me something more; a solid new reason to carry on, just do it, and never give up!

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

Cinema, with its broad scope within all the arts and Music, has kept my Imagination in its grip and provided me with a medium that painting, sculpture and drawing inhabit as well.  I grew up around Expressionist painting and sculpture; one of my family members owned a gallery.  Abstraction is central to my vision.  Filmmakers such as Fassbinder, Pasolini, Agnes Varda, Lars von Trier, Kubrick, Godard, Fellini, Satyajit Ray, Iniarritu. Mira Nair, and Sofia Coppola are some of the greatest influencers on my cinematic vision.

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today
to express one’s revolution through art?

It seems to me that there is a huge amount of room today for one to express one’s relationship to revolution in Art.  To provide a counter to the status quo is to be an artist.  To lend a vision that could be fantastical yet still relatable, to bring images forward that stimulate inner creativity, that question commonplace and time-worn systems of power, regardless of the relationship to ordinary and usual scripts is still possible, maybe even more possible today.  We see and know that our dreams by day and night become realized through film and music, with reference to the cosmos, the sea, and the land.   As long as we are breathing, we have the power to pit ourselves against systems of power that we have been born into.

-We live in a world where, unfortunately, war still exists. Do you believe that if there were more dissemination of art through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

Fortunately there are ways to have one’s attitude and possible solutions to war, genocide, murder, and all forms of violence presented to the community, regardless of border and personal commitment.  If I make a short film that for one person is fantasy, that same film for another person is inspiration.  To reach the widest audience one must touch on what is closest to the heart.  Violence of any kind is not heartfelt; we have a vocabulary that should be more available via the media and social platforms to foster the hope that is necessary to encourage a kind of mass empathy, at least through our art.  If our art does move those who support violence to question their inner convictions, more art like this could survive in the media and reach all. 

-Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

The next project takes its concept from Pirandello’s exploration of the concept of the mask by removing the golden mask of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and at the same time telling the story of the deceased whose mummy is buried with the objects belonging to his life as told by the hieroglyphics on his tomb.  He is not a pharaoh, and therefore his life is told 

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

There are different artistic influences over time, depending on where I was in my creation. Now with this latest feature “Daddy Blueberry – just like a movie” has undergone several artistic challenges and development over 9 years in a mix of fiction, documentary and animation. And has been developed through 3 award-winning short films. The sources of inspiration have been everything from David Lynch, Luis Buñuel, Fellini, Sergio Leone/Spaghetti Westerns, the Skagen Painters, colorist and music videos…

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today
to express one’s revolution through art?

It has become stronger over the years for me, to make a difference. That my work should mean something, really touch and create a Story in all my expressions. it must be worth it and above all today as a counterpoint to all the superficial quick Clicks & Likes…

-We live in a world where, unfortunately, war still exists. Do you believe that if there were more dissemination of art through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

We live in a strange time, war is completely out of fashion, I think. Culture and art in all its forms are always the most peaceful solution, or best for everyone by processing and shaping our contemporary times. In all our inner and outer lives…

-Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

I always have several projects going on in parallel, so that I don’t fall into the big black hole, after finishing one project… Partly, I have a documentary project “The stray dog cultural worker” where everything is filmed, after 10 years, so now the editing remains. And a VR-movie with dance, TV shorts etc

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

Frida Kahlo has been the most influential artist in my journey. Her bold expression of personal pain, resilience, and cultural identity deeply resonates with me, inspiring my own work and approach to art.  

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today to express one’s revolution through art? 

Absolutely. Art remains one of the most powerful forms of revolution. The courageous work of artists in Iran, who use their creativity to challenge and resist a dictatorship, is a compelling example of how art can be a force for change.

–We live in a world where, unfortunately, war still exists. Do you believe that if there were more dissemination of art through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

Hope always persists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, artists in Germany were reminded that art was not considered “system-relevant.”  However, art is far more than just relevant; it has the potential to change systems. This is precisely why there’s a reluctance to let art become so powerful—it could even stop a war.

Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

I’m currently focused on promoting “Pink City Film,” which keeps me quite busy. However, that doesn’t stop me from brainstorming new ideas. I’m considering exploring animation for a future project, so stay tuned!

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

My artistic journey from sewing, designing, composing music, to writing, was inspired by many people and a few circumstances. For me, it all began with my recovery from the fall when I was five years old. There was a Persian Silk Tree in our front yard, where I was playing with cousins. We were playing in the tree, hanging from the tree limb I was swinging my body, when I lost my grip and collided with a root growing above ground. My right orbital bone and the cartilage in my nose were shattered. It was during my recuperation at home that I came across fashion mags my mother had lying around. She would sew clothes for us when she got home from work. The correlation between the clothes my mother made and the clothes I saw in magazines began at this point. She inspired me to concentrate on sewing clothes. I still vaguely remember her saying, “This will make you feel better, papa”. This inspired me to create apparel that would make others feel good about themselves. I clearly recall changing the lyrics to the 1981 song Endless Love after listening to it on the radio for about a month. I decided to use my writing abilities when I started to grow annoyed with songs that radio stations would play over and over. I shared it with a neighborhood friend at the time, he was shocked at what he read. I regret not saving the paper because things were thrown away as we moved to new homes. I started drawing body shapes gradually by the age 11-12. I had become aware of Prince and Sheila E. and as I watched their performances I paid attention to the details. The staging, costumes, and apparel inspired me to continue being creative. They also inspired my desire to compose music. Having had piano lessons early in life, I squeezed my way into junior high band. The majority of pupils enrolled in band classes at the start of the academic year. I exerted constant pressure to enroll in band classes at the conclusion of the Christmas vacation. Following visits to every level of the school office including the principal, assistant principal, teachers, and counselors, eventually after Christmas break I was able to enroll in band class. I never showed any disrespect whatsoever. I simply couldn’t wait for the start of the new school year. For me, writing has always been something I feared. Constantly hearing criticism of improper particulars from people use to confuse me. I began to doubt everything and everyone as a result of what I was taught at school verses what I read on the tv, billboards, and read the details in lyrics that Prince and other artists wrote. 

Just before Christmas and the tsunami that struck the Indian Ocean of 2004, I lost a number of family members and friends. I’ve never been one to give up on something or pause because of tragedy, so writing myself out of the beginning of depression was sparked by the terrible effects the world was going through and my own personal losses. This is what brought “Thankful” to life. From this point forward I began putting down ideas that gradually developed into full-fledged work that has been awarded IPAs – Best Inspirational of 2016. Which lead to me writing the screenplay which has achieved just over 40 awards and accolades to date.

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today to express one’s revolution through art?

Yes, for a true artist I believe there is an expressive revolution within them. This is what makes art fans around the world realize the numerous powers that true artists agree or disagree with. A true artist is aware that their work takes time to develop and become innovative. That in itself marks the start of the revolution. Similar to the art itself, a lot of work goes into it that is hidden from public view. One hopes that the culmination of all the construction, irritation, rework, and groundwork will be what is known as an overnight sensation.

-We live in a world where, unfortunately, war still exists. Do you believe that if there were more dissemination of art through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

Respect for one another and balance have always been my two main beliefs when it comes to bringing about any kind of healing. I think that if people made art that represented these two ideas and shared it across technical platforms, i.e., social media, video, tv, etc… people would be compelled to believe in one another. Rather than competing with one another over whose ideals are superior to or inferior to theirs. I think that if artists concentrated their work on these two perspectives, the world may gradually mend.

-Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

I usually have three or five projects going at once because I’m constantly working on new ones. Design wise: I’m getting ready for a cover photo for the December issue of Fashion Art Media Magazine, a Scottish publication. I’m producing a number of items that I’ll be featured in photos in. I worked with an artist on one outfit and he made a 3D printed crown to go with a king’s robe. I have hand-sewn the robe’s edge detailing for 562.5 hours. The 3D artist is among the few who have seen the king’s robe in person. As far as he is aware, no one has ever replicated this same robe since the film. In addition I am working on a few of costumes for a magician. For a separate client, a bespoke Santa costume. I came up with the notion of what I call the Velcro Santa, which is created with detachable fur that can be cleaned independently of the velvet costume. This design is meant for a client who performs as Santa Claus around the holidays. From what I understand he brings holiday cheer by floating around to different hospitals, charitable activities, and other gatherings. There are a few collections floating on the table in between writing, promoting ongoing projects, and custom designing for clients.  Writing-wise: I switch between four different stories. One work of fiction is a prequel to a tale from the late 1970s. Another is set in the late 1700s and early 1800s and is based on Madame LaLaurie. One is a contemporary drama / relationship of convenience love tale. There are countless tales of love, grief, and the discovery of genuine love following a heartbreak. For the same concepts as a traditional romance, this one is a little different. The most recent manuscript, “Unity – New Traditions for LGBT Nuptials”. I am still working on this project, fine-tuning the specifics till it is published. In observance of long-standing religious customs, heterosexual societal norms, and wedding traditions, I have completely redesigned the nuptials for LGBT couples. This undertaking is enormous! There’s a lot of work to be done between locking in couples to coordinate the newly designed Unity and promoting the music for the Unity project, for which I composed and directed the music videos. Furthermore, I failed to mention the documentary “Unity – The story of Us” (the tentative title). Slowly between designing, sewing, writing, making music, promoting, eating, and finding time to sleep… I jot down story board ideas and directions I see the documentary film going in. Yes, there is a tiny peek of the King’s robe that displays about 200 hours of precise hand stitching. I’m not sure what will happen to this project after its debut. I don’t envision renting it out to anyone. I have considered selling the piece or releasing it for auction. 

-What and who has inspired you the most in your artistic career?

My artistic journey has been deeply influenced by a combination of visual styles and thematic depth, particularly drawn from noir and neo-noir cinema, as well as socially charged films that deepen into dark atmospheres. Classic noir films like The Maltese Falcon and Sunset Boulevard have taught me the power of atmosphere and the impact of visual storytelling. The stark contrast of light and shadow, the play between what’s seen and what’s hidden, and the morally complex characters have all deeply influenced my approach. Moving into the realm of neo-noir, films like Chinatown and Blade Runner took these elements and reimagined them for a modern context, blending traditional noir with futuristic or contemporary settings. These films inspire me to explore the interplay between light and darkness, both visually and thematically, in my work. The Crow by Alex Proyas has been a significant source of inspiration. The film’s dark, gothic aesthetic, its tragic protagonist, and the themes of revenge and redemption resonate strongly with me. Proyas’ ability to create a visually compelling world that is both haunting and beautiful influences my approach to creating mood and atmosphere. The film’s use of darkness to convey emotion and its integration of music to enhance the narrative are aspects I strive to incorporate into my work. Socially conscious films that tackle dark themes have also shaped my artistic perspective. Movies like Taxi Driver and Requiem for a Dream delve into the darker aspects of society, exploring themes of alienation, addiction, and despair. These films challenge me to address social issues in my work, using a dark atmosphere not just for aesthetic purposes, but as a means to reflect the complexities and often harsh realities of the world. The ability of these films to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought is something I aspire to achieve in my own art.

-Every true artist is also a revolutionary against power. Do you think there is still room today to express one’s revolution through art?

Absolutely, there is always room to express revolution through art. In fact, art has always been one of the most powerful tools for challenging the status quo and pushing for change. In every era, artists have used their creativity and passion to question authority, address social injustices, and inspire others to think differently. Today, perhaps more than ever, the ability to express revolutionary ideas through art is crucial. With the vast array of digital platforms and global connectivity, artists have unprecedented opportunities to reach audiences and share their perspectives. Whether through visual art, music, film, or other mediums, there’s always space to creatively challenge power and advocate for a better world. Art allows us to explore complex ideas, express emotions that might be difficult to articulate in other ways, and connect with people on a deeply human level. It’s not just about being critical; it’s about envisioning new possibilities, sparking dialogue, and inspiring action. Being passionate about what we do is key. When we pour our energy and creativity into our work, it has the power to resonate with others and become a catalyst for change. In short, the revolutionary spirit in art is timeless. No matter the era, as long as there are issues to address and voices to be heard, there will always be room for artists to express their revolution.

-We live in a world where, unfortunately, war still exists. Do you believe that if there were more dissemination of art through the media and social networks, the world would be a more peaceful place?

I do believe that a greater dissemination of art through the media and social networks could contribute to making the world a more peaceful place. War often stems from misunderstandings, a lack of empathy, and a focus on self-interest over the well-being of others. Art has the unique ability to break down these barriers by fostering connection, understanding, and respect among people. Art allows us to see the world through different perspectives, to feel the emotions and experiences of others, and to recognize our shared humanity. When people engage with art, they are often moved to think beyond their own interests and consider the broader impact of their actions on others. This can lead to a greater sense of empathy and a deeper commitment to peace. Moreover, art can challenge the narratives that justify violence and conflict. It can expose the horrors of war, highlight the value of peace, and inspire people to imagine a world where conflict is resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than violence. By spreading these messages through the media and social networks, art has the potential to reach a wide audience and influence public opinion. While art alone cannot eliminate war, it can play a significant role in promoting the values of empathy, respect, and understanding that are essential for a peaceful world. If more people were exposed to art and engaged with its messages, I believe we would see a shift towards a more compassionate and peaceful society.

-Are you working on a new project? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?

Yes, I am currently working on several projects, and while I can’t reveal much about some of them just yet, I’m excited to share a bit about one in particular. I’m directing a feature film titled All Rise, which is going to be shot in America. This project is very close to my heart, and it’s shaping up to be something truly special. While I can’t go into too many details at the moment, I can say that All Rise is a film with powerful themes and a compelling narrative that I believe will resonate with audiences. I’m looking forward to bringing this story to life and sharing more as the project progresses!