Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?
My desire to express myself through art began as a spark in childhood, between the ages of five and seven. My grandfather, who adored old Hollywood, would tell me stories about legends like Greta Garbo. One day, he bought me a beautiful vanity, sat me in front of the mirror, leaned down behind me, and said, “You’re going to be just like her.” That moment planted a seed.
My great-grandparents came from Czechoslovakian—hardworking and focused—and my grandfather carried that same determination into his love of storytelling. Over time, that early desire grew into a deep, unshakable passion for filmmaking and creating art. It’s a passion that continues to guide my work today, shaping every story I choose to tell.
What are your goals as an artist?
In the beginning, my goals as an artist were fueled purely by desire and passion, that overwhelming need to express myself through acting and filmmaking. As my journey unfolded, I became curious about every phase of how the “film wheel” spins, so I wore many hats: actor, producer, editor, and director.
Directing, in particular, gives me the ability to shape the intention behind a story. I realized my goal is to tell stories that uplift, inspire, and hold space for truth, creating a safe place for these stories to be told without hidden agendas. The freedom of independent filmmaking allows me to keep the vision authentic and storytelling grounded in honesty.
Ultimately, my goal is for audiences to feel deeply connected from the first frame to the last, leaving the theater not just entertained but carrying thought-provoking questions that call them to their own action, whatever the subject of the film may be.
What is your opinion on the cultural industry?
From my perspective, the cultural industry is a vast and powerful space, but one that is often driven by familiar formulas and recognizable names. For independent filmmakers who don’t come from the Hollywood system, it can be an uphill climb, not because the work lacks merit, but because the platforms, resources, and recognition often gravitate toward those with established backing.
In my experience, the independent side of the industry remains an under-discovered world. Without the luxury of large budgets or marketing machines, indie creators have to rely on resourcefulness, community, and an unwavering commitment to their stories. And yet, this is where I see the greatest potential—stories told with freedom, honesty, and no hidden agenda.
I may not fit neatly into the cultural industry as it’s typically defined, but my purpose is clear: to tell stories that educate, entertain, and inspire, and to show others that it is possible to create meaningful work even when starting from nothing. I believe the industry has the potential to build bridges between cultures, and while I don’t claim to have the full answer to how that happens, I can do my part, telling one truthful story at a time, building connection by connection. Perhaps one day we’ll look back at this interview and see how it all came together.
Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?
While independent artists may not have the same immediate access to resources or platforms as large-budget productions, opportunity is still very much alive. It’s easy to use the lack of funding or connections as a reason not to begin, but the truth is, the heart of filmmaking—and of all art—is the story. If you have a story that needs to be told, whether it comes from your own life, someone else’s, your community, or a global perspective, the right circumstances will align to bring it into the world.
Opportunity often comes down to perspective. When an obstacle appears, I thank it for showing me a new way forward, then ask how I can adapt. Sometimes the path may look different than expected, but creativity thrives in those moments. For independent artists, the opportunities are endless and abundant—you simply must be willing to see them and take that first step.
What new projects are you currently working on?
We recently completed Invasion of the Space Vixen, which has just been released and is already garnering awards on the global FilmFreeway circuit. Building on its success, we’re moving forward with Vixen Conquers Fixen, the second installment of what will be a three-part series, concluding with Vixen Rules.
I’m also awaiting the final edits for Pick It Up America, a documentary focused on beach stewardship, ocean safety, and the often unseen dangers of waters that appear calm and inviting. Another project in the editing stage is The Sound of the Soul, which explores the transformative power of sound therapy—not only as a physical healing tool but also as a way to restore emotional balance and bring harmony to the world around us.
In addition, I have two other documentaries currently in the thought-provoking stages. There are many projects in motion and countless more stories to tell—I’m always curious to see what the future will bring.
