-With this victory, you have achieved an important milestone and have become an authoritative voice in international independent cinema. What are your next projects?

Thank you. It means so much, especially because independent animation is made with heart, and faith in the magic of storytelling. My upcoming projects expand on that dream. I’m currently working on extending the adventures of Malibu and Roxie in my animated series. Through charming adventures for children and families, Malibu & Roxie share messages of kindness, compassion, and friendship. I look forward to creating impactful stories through animation that move people, and open hearts, while reminding us that even our darkest travels can lead us to a place of hope and greater meaning.

-Describe yourself with three adjectives that best reflect your vision of the world.

If you asked me to describe myself with three words that embody how ?I see the world, I would say “hopeful, compassionate, creative”. I’m hopeful because I believe that even in our darkest moments, we can emerge from trauma with strength, healing, and new beginnings. I’m compassionate because I believe in the power of human connection, kindness, and empathy to walk alongside others in their journeys. And I’m creative because I believe in the arts, storytelling, and imagination to spark change and inspire others, build community, and uncover the magic within our daily lives. Hope. Compassion. Creativity. You’ll find all of these in the things I make, from my books and films, to my work with kids, families, and our community.

-WILD FILMMAKER is, above all, a space for freedom of thought and sharing. Who would you most like to find yourself in front of, and what would you say to them? You may include figures from the present or the past, from Julius Caesar to Marilyn Monroe, just to give an example.

If given the chance to stand in front of anybody, it would be “Walt Disney”. I would express my gratitude for teaching the world that imagination could endure through generations, cultures, and circumstances. He turned childlike stories into timeless classics that empower dreamers everywhere. I would tell him his films and books inspired me to be a storyteller as well. Through animation and children’s books, I’ve created worlds of my own that emphasize kindness, hope, friendship, and perseverance. As a small independent filmmaker, I never lost sight of the fact that stories have the power to change hearts and unite people. But above all else, I would ask him what kept him going when no one believed in his dreams. Then I would say, “Thank you for teaching us that if we can dream it, we can create it.”

-Through the WILD FILMMAKER Community, we have succeeded in bringing independent filmmakers under the same spotlight as mainstream industrial cinema. How do you evaluate our work and activities?

I admire what WILD FILMMAKER does for the future of film. As an independent filmmaker myself, I know how easy it is to feel left out of the loop when you pour your heart into something from a place of passion, vision, and authenticity. Not every film comes from big budgets. Your organization allows independent filmmakers to be seen and heard. Not just around those with more access to film festivals and markets, but right alongside them. 
What you’re doing is creating a community that embraces free expression, artistic vision, and international collaboration. You’re allowing filmmakers to reach audiences that they may not have had the chance to reach if it weren’t for you.
Thank you for the work that you do for independent artists. Keep bridging the gap between undiscovered talent and the world.