-Who is Dana Silkiss?
Dana Silkiss is an accomplished musician, professional horse trainer, martial artist, author, and father of 5 children. He now lives in Angera, Italy, and on his horse ranch in North Carolina. He has produced documentaries for PBS and has poems listed in the Library of Congress. He recently received the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who in America award for his outstanding contributions to society.
-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?
Yes, watching “The Sound of Music” when I was 10 years old.
-Tell us about your project “Midnite’s Journey”.
Both the series and film concepts are based upon the factual book, “Midnite‘s Journey”, by Dana L Silkiss
Throughout a shocking series of events depicting racism, prejudice, and slavery, we are able to witness what has cultivated Midnite’s belief in justice and honor, even while enduring the depths of depravity and torture, Midnite forces his mind to reflect on the myriad of events that made him the caring young man he has become. Midnite is an unforgettable character with a passion for music, loyalty to his friends, and unwavering determination to see that justice is served. Each scene (episode) juxtaposes his horrifying experiences with aspects of his core beliefs. From pursuing a career as a musician to becoming a civil rights activist, he lives to tell his tale only by his love of music and the sheer will to survive against all odds. Midnite, a gifted guitarist, wants to be a star. Just as his musical career is about to go viral, he finds himself enduring the most terrifying tests of his young life. We follow him straight into hell and wonder whether we’ll ever see the light again.
Abducted by corrupt police and taken into a forced labor camp, the musical prodigy is plunged into a horrifying nightmare, witnessing prostitution, torture, corruption, and murder. On his own, he must rely on his intellect, creativity, and passion for his music. The events are too horrible to be true, yet they are based on real events, and the ending cliffhanger leaves us wanting more. This spellbinding novel by Dana Silkiss and the aftermath of Midnite’s escape is an intriguing mix of a socio-critical crime thriller and mystery, juxtaposed with a dash of romance, music, and philosophical ideologies. “Midnite’s Journey” details the beginnings of today’s privatized correctional facilities (free labor) and present-day madness of America’s correctional policies. Dana has teamed with screenwriter Beverly Horvath to adapt Midnite’s Journey into a made-for-television series or feature-length film. The series pilot script and series bible are complete, and an outline for the series is as well. A feature-length movie script has also been completed.
-Which Director inspires you the most?
Hitchcock & Tarantino
-What do you dislike about the world, and what would you change?
The current madness of authoritarianism, fascism, and racism throughout America and the world. Change is more than necessary in the present-day government’s ideals, corruption, and hypocrisy. As history has repeatedly shown, the powerful and wealthy rule at the expense of the lower classes.
-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?
The reality of cinema will hopefully continue to be conceived of and implemented by creative individuals, not AI. There will be a time when the industrial elite will try to shanghai people’s talents and use them for their interpretation of (not real) cinema, unless changes are implemented in the present to safeguard this precious institution of artistic expression.
-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?
A unique opportunity to embolden and showcase new, inspiring, and creative ideas in a way not available before.
