NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Lesley Ann Albiston

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

I developed a passion for art early on—drawing, painting, dancing, writing, and reading. After winning an art contest, I received a Kodak box camera and began taking photos, managing the film and choosing scenes myself.
The wait for developed prints was soon overlooked once people could relive memories captured on film. Each image enabled one to repeatedly recall the circumstances of its creation—the location, sensory details, ambient temperature, and emotional state both before and after the photograph was taken. Although the image remains unchanged, our evolving experiences and perceptions continually reshape how we remember it. Decades on, I still have the camera.

What are your goals as an artist?

To share an uplifting message by showing past outcomes and future options in an engaging way.
Currently, my screenplays “Fractures In Time” and “Visitors Book” have earned multiple accolades on the film festival circuit. My foremost goal is to facilitate the adaptation of at least one of these works into a feature film and to actively participate in its production.
I plan to write and direct a short film, but my scripts always turn into feature-length projects.


What are your views regarding the cultural industry?


The subject frequently evolves in response to technological and topical developments. Occasionally, one aspect develops at a different rate than another, which can lead to discrepancies that persist over long periods of time.
Technology now makes it easy for the public to buy Van Gogh’s art on items like tote bags and cushions, especially after experiencing his work through immersive digital displays. It is uncertain how Van Gogh, who lived in poverty, would have responded to the widespread commercialization and public appreciation of his art today.
Does this also apply to film—will an outstanding low- budget indie short be respected equally in the future? I like to think so.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?


FilmFreeway and the World Film Communities Network provide independent filmmakers and writers with international platforms to gain recognition and showcase their work globally, as well as similar platforms.
With advancements in modern technology, individuals equipped with a smartphone are now able to write, film, edit, produce, and publish their own films online, making the aspirations of emerging filmmakers more achievable than ever before.
Wild Filmmaker aims to spotlight emerging filmmakers through modern technology, whilst drawing on the history of cinema. This innovative effort deserves recognition.


What project are you currently working on?


I am currently developing two screenplays simultaneously. One is a sequel to “Fractures In Time,” which explores the potential consequences if certain predictions from the original script materialise.
My latest screenplay, inspired by The Blair Witch Project, is my first horror script and examines how far people will go to seek approval on social media. It’s my debut in the genre, and I’m already spooked.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Chris Ross Leong

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

My father taught me how to print photos before I could even write, and how to be a working child actor even earlier than that. My love for music came through competitive piano lessons, while my passion for storytelling grew from bedtime stories at home and later at boarding school. Senior kids would tell wild tales to comfort the younger ones battling homesickness and fear—an incredibly potent medicine against very real inner demons.

So, for me, stories have always had a concrete, practical, and healing purpose. Storytelling—whether through acting or images—holds a very special place in my heart and soul.


What are your goals as an artist?

“Artist”? Who’s an artist? (laughs) I simply see myself as continuing in the footsteps of those great storytellers who came before us—from the cave paintings of prehistory, to the flickering magic of cinema today.

I think of a filmmaker as part craftsperson, part creative. The word “artist” brings to mind names like Michelangelo or Rodin. A painter, a poet, a sculptor—these are typically solitary creators. But filmmaking requires at least a team, if not an army. In that sense, it’s almost the opposite of fine art.

Personally, I believe filmmakers should master the craft first, and then explore the art—if at all. As a writer, yes, I’d consider myself an artist. But as a filmmaker? I’m more of a craftsperson dedicated to building stories for the screen.

That said, with the rise of today’s “baby screens,” user-generated content, and the democratization of media, we may be seeing a shift back toward solitary creators. As technology disrupts the industry and makes filmmaking more accessible, perhaps the medium will evolve—(or devolve?)—into something more like fine art.

Which raises the question: where does AI fit in? Is it the future artist? Or simply a tool for ideas, subject to human curation? If AI draws from collective knowledge, does that mean the fine art of the future belongs to everyone—and to no one? What happens to the very concept of copyright?


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

Do you mean government-supported culture? In the U.S. today, industry is largely profit-driven, with little room for the true dissemination of cultural values. Unlike many countries, there’s not much in the way of nationally supported culture here. Even private art foundations must prioritize solvency over artistic exchange.

Historically, culture has belonged to those who could afford it—supported by governments, politicians, or wealthy patrons. Independent filmmakers rarely fall under the “industry” label. Mass media producers do.

And so, culture today is being shaped by fast, cheap, and accessible media—just as mass-produced T-shirts have overtaken high fashion. But which is more culturally valid? Is a pop song that sells millions inherently more valuable than a classical piece with a smaller audience? That’s the dilemma.


Do independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

Independent artists have always had to create their own opportunities. Success has always depended on their ability to reach and move audiences in a unique way.

Those who wait for opportunities to be handed to them are far less likely to share their voices than those who make their own luck. Within the film industry, most professionals are advancing someone else’s creativity, depending more on negotiation skills than on their own artistry. True independence requires building your own path.


What new project are you currently working on?

After the passing of our co-founder and dear friend Jo Anna “Ziggy” Heckman, my Ep!c Film Foundry partner—veteran actor and producer Paul Gunn—and I were recently joined by the talented young actress and producer Faith Barrett.

At the top of our slate is NeverWere: A Lycan Love Story, an original and deeply moving tale that has already received a record 168 laurels for the book, concept, and screenplay alone.

Also in the pipeline are:

  • Last Ride — a streetcar racing story
  • Deadeye — a film about girls and guns (but not what you’d expect)
  • LoveBeats — a supernatural love story
  • StarSword Samurai — a fantastical action adventure

On the business front, I’m thrilled to announce a new partnership with Hollywood icon Gloria Tait and her company Athena Talent International. Together with her teammate Allen Balfour Geiner, we’re building the foundation of what promises to be a powerful force in the next “New Hollywood.”

And in true cliffhanger fashion, Athena and Ep!c are also collaborating with a legendary Hollywood figure to bring his untold story to life—a memoir of being young, hungry, and almost-famous during the Golden Era of the 1950s. Who is this mysterious “unknown icon”? You’ll just have to stay tuned.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Jeremy Stork

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

Our desire to express ourselves through our art has always been there for us. Christine and I have been playing music together for most of our lives. For me it began in high school and for Chris it began a little later, once we got together. We were playing in cover bands up until about 2015 when we started to write songs and began our career as independent artists in our band, Studeo. Over the past 10 years or so, we have been focussing not just writing and recording, but have made many music videos which we have entered in Film Festivals around the world.  To this end we have developed a great team  who all contribute to our music and successes. We have been very fortunate as we have had a great deal of success in these festivals winning many awards.

What are your goals as an artist?

Broadly our goals centre around our music, recording our albums and music videos and have them played around the world. Of course our aim is to build on our fanbase and continue our success is the various awards . Both of us have become members of the Recording Academy (Grammy®  members)

What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

We live in very unusual times as there are so many opportunities to develop our craft utilising the ever broadening range of technology. Musicians are now able to deliver quality outputs from home using affordable and available tools. We can write , record, distribute our music as well as produce graphics and other support materials from home. The downside of a more productive environment is that it is much more competitive especially with the issue of the technology itself becoming a threat via AI. Nevertheless  Studeo is able to produce our music and be very efficient with the tools and team we have in place.

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

Yes, there are many opportunities to share our creativity with the world. The key is to understand how to access these opportunities such as Spotify playlists, film festivals, radio playlists etc……
The live music industry has changed a lot over time requiring those who are pursuing gigs to seek out opportunities to play live where as in the past agents domineered the live music scene, especially here in Australia.

What new project are you currently working on?

  • Studeo has released our latest album “Pounding Pavements” earlier this year (our 8th studio album). We are also continuing to write new material for our next album due in 2026.
  • Vinyl LP – 2025
  • Pounding Pavement CDs – September 2025
  • Red Carpet Music Awards, Holland (playing live) September 2025
  • Attending the World Class Film Awards, Milan Italy Dec 2025

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Suzanne Lutas

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

My passion for film has led me to screenwriting, where I can channel my imagination and craft unique stories. I draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including the works of authors and directors, real-life experiences, my cultural heritage, fleeting emotions, and music.

What are your goals as an artist?

As an artist, my foremost goal is to create captivating stories that entertain and resonate with people on a profound level. My experiences, particularly the cultural transition I faced moving from Vietnam to France, shape my narrative style and themes. I deliberately explore concepts of belonging and identity, allowing my journey to enrich the stories I tell—especially in the realms of Sci-Fi, Action, and Supernatural Thrillers.

What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

The rise of streaming services has undeniably transformed the cultural landscape, challenging traditional theaters to adapt. Major media companies are scrambling to keep pace with platforms like Netflix, but this evolution presents immense opportunities for independent filmmakers. With their creativity and resourcefulness, these filmmakers are making powerful strides and redefining storytelling. As the industry continues to evolve, the need for collaboration and innovation among artists is paramount, particularly in response to emerging technologies such as AI.

Do independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity? 

Absolutely! Indie festivals like Sundance and Wild Filmmaker are thriving platforms that empower independent artists to showcase their work and receive the recognition they deserve. The remarkable success of Sean Baker’s “Anora” highlights what can be achieved through dedication and creativity, serving as both an inspiration and a model for aspiring artists.

What new project are you currently working on?

I am excited to share that I have completed a sci-fi thriller titled “The Star Seeker.” This project follows the journey of a homeless teenage math prodigy in a climate-ravaged future as she competes for a coveted spot on a space exploration mission while searching for her father’s missing spaceship. It blends the concepts of “Interstellar” with elements of an “Escape Room,” where every challenge is met with resilience and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.

PRESS RELEASE – THE BEST FILMMAKERS OF SUMMER 2025

Summer 2025 marked the greatest milestone ever achieved by the WILD FILMMAKER Movement, five years after the founding of the Magazine.
A success that has made WILD FILMMAKER the only independent community in the world with over 70,000 artists participating in various initiatives, and a brand presence in the international press that is truly unparalleled.
This triumph crowns a global movement dedicated to independent cinema—an idea inspired by the French Nouvelle Vague and Roger Corman’s New Hollywood, but for the first time, including artists from every corner of the planet.

Moreover, the WILD FILMMAKER Community now includes members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as well as artists selected by the world’s leading festivals—from the Cannes Film Festival to Sundance and Tribeca.

A recognition that fills us with pride and motivates us to continue our mission: to create cinema rooted in free creative expression.

Below is the exclusive list of artists who joined the initiative: THE BEST FILMMAKERS OF SUMMER 2025:

Frank MancusoThe Sicilians

Kimber LeighTaking Your Crack at Filmmaking / Pick It Up America

Christian CandidoBoombox (The God of the Dance) – TV Series Opening

Dylan BrodyYou Are Here

Alexander SenickiEmergency Musical Response: Part 1 – Journey to Netherworld

John JohnsonThe G-FILES

Cherie CarsonSequoia Spirits

Linda HarkeyThe Case of the Missing Pink Piggy

Zachary Simpson (music and lyrics), Siona Talekar (author of the book), Erin Rementer (performer), Linda F. Radke (director) – “Hey Mommy” Theme Song

Victoria BugbeeOut of State-A Gothic Romance

Paolo Pier Luigi GuglielmettiColombano e la 21esima Fetta

Tom GallagherAmen-Amen-Amen: A Story of Our Times

Andrea NataleFascino d’altri tempi

Royce FreemanIndie Jax Grind

Robert TobinThe Good Americans

Edi MilsMuseum, or The Marble Statue

Andronica MarquisMedea

Jaymz BeeArtists and Aliens

Francis BillingsleyDancing with Spies @Goddess

Michael MayhanThe Ballad of Wonderhussy and Other Desert Tales

Keith SzarabajkaIn Search of A P-I-G

Keith SzarabajkaThe Second Coming

Uniqueness Heiress & AziaOmnipotent Resolution

Lesley Ann AlbistonFractures In Time

Russell EmanuelStaycation

Russell EmanuelRoutine

Russell EmanuelThe Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands

Colleen FuglaarMichelangelo and Me + Da Vinci and Me

Florence Cazebon-TaveauThe Priory of Sion and the treasure of abbey Sauniere of Rennes the Castle France

Cassandra HodgesWild Blooms

Gary St. MartinDirty Revenge

Pamela PerryGoulardtCalamity Jane: Queen of Spades

R. Scott MacLeayNoise

Gary BeeberWater

Valto BaltzarLe Cafe De Mes Souvenirs

Shaun GuzmanHope!

Shaun GuzmanAlone

Graciela CasselWe are Rivers

Mattia PaoneFlashes of Light (Bagliori)

Michelle LynnSecrets of Montmartre

Michelle LynnAn Ever After Drama

Michelle LynnThe Green Mill

Silvano PerozicQ1

AnayaMusic KunstSanctuary

Anaya Music KunstEffata

Dr Dawn MengeLegends of the Land of Quails

Dr Dawn MengePrecious the baby dragon

Stephen KellyNo Mas

Stephen KellyMikey Blue Eyes

Vivian TsangThe New Immigrant- Hong Kongers

Anton Svantesson-HelkiöSee me

ΕΛΠΙΔΑ ΑΜΙΤΣΗVoyage in the desert

Ken KimmelmanHot Afternoons Have Been in Montana

Gianni SalamoneSinestesìa

Dean MorganSheldon Mashugana gets Stooged

Daniel W SmithCalamity & Mercy

Valérie VerseauLove Is My Gun

Suzanne LutasThe Dead Ringer

Michał KucharskiAm I a painter?/Czy jestem malarzem?

Jacob ComfortyMonument to Love

Vicentini GomezDoctor Hyphoteses

Phoebe von SatisGold Glory & Nobility

Phoebe von SatisThe Hallmark Couple

Phoebe von SatisOnly in Malibu

Don Pasquale FeroneCredo

John MartinezThe Days of Knight: Chapter 1

John MartinezThe Green Machine – Part 1

Kai FischerLambada The Dance Of Fate

Brooke WolffEye of the Storm

Sean Gregory TanseyThe Stones of Rome

Sean Gregory TanseyThe Pathos of Hamlet

Michaela KutiFear not, my child

Larry Gene FortinSonnets (words in despair)

Larry Gene FortinFire Flies

Larry Gene FortinSundown In Beaver Creek

Lynn ElliottThe Quisling

Lynn ElliottAlta California

Lynn ElliottUncle Franco’s Birthday Suit

Lynn ElliottGhost Town, N.M.

Tommy Anderson & Sherry SeversHollywood Elite Podcast Episode 1 Salute to the 2025 Oscars

Chris Ross LeongNeverWere: a Lycan Love Story

Monte Albers de LeonMecca

Gabriel WomackBrothers of Babylon

Danilo Del TufoForevermore

Christopher PenningtonVirulence

Lena MattssonThe Rorschach Test

Lena MattssonNot Without Gloves

Uwe SchwarzwalderThe Spiritualization of Jeff Boyd

C. Arnold CurryThe Duchess

Samantha CasellaKatabasis

Hugo TeugelsCassandra Venice

Susan DownsSomething ain’t right

Roger ParadisoSearching for Camelot

Vincenzo AmorusoThe Arcangel Of Death

Matthew RochWacko

Carla Di BonitoNossos Caminhos (Our Paths)

Earnest DiazThankful

Jeremy and Christine StorkRunning Out Of Time

Joseph StarzykThe Golden Years

Denise MackMourning Coffee

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Dawn Menge

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?


It came from seeing the joy on children’s faces when they receive one of my books. Seeing them mastering their reading skills, going on adventures, sharing time with their families due to a Queen Vernita adventure and being able to help children around the world open up their worlds and become excited about reading.
I really loved creating my Queen Vernita’s adventures. The authenticity of each adventure comes from my rule that each new page comes from a real trip. If it’s white-water rafting in Acapulco, swimming with sharks in the North Shore of Hawaii, having a baby sea horse wrap their tails around your finger or swimming with a sea turtle it’s all authentic. My illustrator is able to convert the pictures from our trips and turn them into vividly colorful illustrated pictures of the real event. The children love knowing that the people and places are real. Authenticity is the core of independent art.


What are your goals as an artist?


As an author my main goal is to touch others’ lives in a positive way. Writing about our experiences and sharing with others helps them to be open about their own experiences. The Land of Quails House has an initiative to spread literacy around the world. I was able to travel to Ghana, Africa and work with children who attended a nonprofit called Cheerful Hearts. We distributed children’s literature to 100 children who were increasing their literacy skills to ensure their safety from sex trafficking and child labor. We are currently having a book drive to send educational materials to Nigeria.
The Land of Quails House has won over 200+ film festivals. In August 2024 Precious the Baby Dragon was the featured screenplay at the San Diego Kids Film Festival in Carlsbad, California. It was an author’s dream come true to see your children’s book come to life. The local playhouse children’s actors had only one week to practice, and they were wonderful. They included dancing, jokes and singing.
I would love to have my children’s literature turned into an animated series or feature film with live action characters. Queen Vernita’s Visitors education books are based on our real-life adventures, real people and named after my grandmother.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?


Yes, I think that there is room for everyone. Through social media, film festivals, events and various outlets independent artists have ample opportunities to shine in the world. I have never felt that I was missing any opportunities. In fact, I must turn many wonderful events down because I just don’t have enough time for everything. Major outlets are seeking independent ideas for their projects. It’s out there, you just have to say yes to it.


What new project are you currently working on?


The Land of Quails House has ten new books that will be coming out in the future. Queen Vernita will be visiting in Africa, Ireland, Italy, Zion, Grand Canyon, Calico, Joshua Tree, Wrightwood, Oceanside, Big Sur and Alaska to name a few. Queen Giggles, King Teddy Bear and Precious the Baby Dragon will be exploring future kingdoms to find Thunder for Precious.
The Land of Quails House has several amazing projects that are being worked on behind the scenes that will be announced before the new year. Stay tuned.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Brooke Harris Wolff

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

I’ve always had the need to create, and so I guess the desire to express myself through art is an indelible part of my personality. 

What are your goals as an artist?

I want to continue working with the muse coming through me and enhancing my skills — so that whatever I create has a life of its own. 

What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

When culture is considered an industry, its value has already been diminished.

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

I don’t think independent artists have the opportunities they need. To that end, I’m in the process of setting up a production company to help filmmakers internationally get their work financed, distributed and promoted. 

What new project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a novel, with plans of turning it into a film. We’ll see where it goes.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Juan Carlos Díaz

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?


As a child, I was always deeply interested in movies. What was behind them? Who told them? How were they filmed? Who wrote the stories? And how did they make the message connect with thousands of people?
Each film left a positive message in me and, therefore, made me a better person every day. When I was a teenager, I went to the movies a lot and discovered what we call “The Magic of Cinema.” My determination at that moment was absolute. I wanted to do exactly the same thing: tell stories through a camera. I wanted to be a filmmaker to tell stories that evoke emotion and convey ideas that connect with people.
I first started as a producer and director at Gato Pardo Producciones, where I learned everything about the audiovisual world and advertising, and later made a leap into film directing my own projects.
The art of cinema isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about speaking another language, about speaking with the camera, with music, sound, color, acting, and many other factors. All that composition was an art that until now I feel as my own voice, my own feeling and my own expression.


What are your goals as an artist?


My goal as a filmmaker is to be a good communicator in my country (Peru), to get people to reflect, to receive a good message, to be moved, to be entertained, to relax, to cry, to laugh, to know who they are and who they want to be tomorrow, regardless of the theme of my projects, whether social, political, or cultural.
Our society today needs more art, more cinema, to educate our environment, generate conversations, recognize our values, question our beliefs, and connect with many people with rich experiences to share.
Now, I also have a personal and professional goal as an artist: to be the first film director in Peru to successfully tell three stories in a different way. “LA HORA ROJA” was the first Peruvian film I shot in a single sequence shot; to date, no one has done this. My second film is already in pre-production and will be the first to be shot with “ONLY ONE ACTRESS.” Finally, my third film is a film with “NO DIALOGUE.” These films don’t exist in Peru, and it would be great for me to tell these stories.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?


In Peru, we have an arthouse and film industry that is growing little by little. We are releasing more films every year, but unfortunately, many of them only stay in theaters for a few weeks and are gradually becoming mainstream films. Some of them choose to be shown at International Film Festivals, and after winning several awards, our theaters only give them a certain amount of leeway to premiere.
Our productions are subsidized by my country’s Ministry of Culture, but few of the more than 100 films that participate receive this financial support. That’s why many independent films seek their own financial resources, and I am one of them, since I had to produce “LA HORA ROJA” with my own money, and therefore the mission to achieve a better film law is still ongoing.
The good thing about all this is that cinema as a place of entertainment has never stopped functioning; it has never been replaced by television or streaming platforms.
Cinema continues to maintain its unique charm as a social experience, where people go to learn, grow, and dream.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?


Of course, nowadays there are many avenues available to promote art and film. Independent artists now not only have the technology and originality to create freely, but also multiple networks for greater visibility for their projects; we didn’t have those conditions before. Today, everything is globalized; your art can be seen not only in your country but in any country you want, thanks to many distribution and exhibition platforms.
There are also many film festivals where you can showcase your work and receive recognition that can give you a greater opportunity. This is how I showed, for example, my first film, “LA HORA ROJA” (THE RED HOUR). In a short time, I began to be invited to many important festivals that recognized the film as original and I won 33 awards (laurels and a statuette) such as “Best Experimental Film”, “Best Photography”, “Silver Award”, “Excellence Award”, “Finalist for Best Director”, “Semi-finalist for Best Film” and several “Official Selections”.


What new project are you currently working on?


I like projects that present challenges, which is why the first film I shot was a “ONE-STOP SEQUENCE SHOT,” where the challenge was not only for me as the director but also for the crew and, above all, the actors.
I’m currently in pre-production on my second film, “SOLA.” It’s the first Peruvian film made with “ONE ACTRESS,” where her challenge will be to sustain the action and the audience’s interest for more than 70 minutes. This film is about a Peruvian scientist who one day wakes up alone on the top floor of an abandoned building in the middle of Lima. She doesn’t remember her name or how she got there, and worst of all, she’s tied up with no way out. The adversity and struggle that will ensue will be to survive in a post-apocalyptic Lima where everyone is dead and she is the only survivor. I will be releasing the teaser very soon, seeking funding.

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Jonathan Fisher

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?

My desire to express myself through art arises from the mission of the nonprofit that I joined in 2010 and now lead. Seeing for Ourselves trains marginalized individuals to take control of their own public narrative by documenting their lives or concerns photographically. 

What are your goals as an artist?

My goals as an artist are to promote these new visual narratives, which I can best do in film. Our short documentary “In a Whole New Way” promotes the new imagery produced by justice-involved New Yorkers while showing how their efforts transformed their lives.

What is your opinion on the cultural industry?

The cultural industry is in my view dominated by studios, global media companies, billionaires, and celebs—not a very hospitable ecosystem in which independent actors can thrive.

Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?

I don’t think there are enough opportunities for independent artists to share their creativity, which is why I’m so grateful to Wild Filmmakers for creating a welcoming space.

What new project are you currently working on?

I’m now putting the final touches on “My Climate Future.” This short doc commemorates our nonprofit’s effort to have high schoolers roam their local environments with cameras and try to imagine the impact of climate change. Youth are another marginalized population in that they have been largely excluded from the national conversation in the US around climate change—even as they have the most skin in the game while not causing the crisis in the first place!

NEW HOLLYWOOD NETWORK PROJECT (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Vicentini Gomez

Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?


I’m the son of a farmer and grew up on a countryside farm, surrounded by nature — playing on the coffee-drying patio, wandering through cotton, peanut, and mint fields, swimming in rivers, fishing, and living countless adventures in that very particular world. I was only seven years old the first time I saw a movie. It was in Londrina, in the state of Paraná, where I went to live with friends of my father so I could attend school. I still remember the glow of the screen lighting up my face and the feeling that an entire universe was opening before me. That moment enchanted me forever — and that enchantment remains the driving force of my artistic life, whether in film, theater, television, or literature.


What are your goals as an artist?


That sense of wonder I mentioned when talking about my first film is still what I strive to offer the audience today. I want to enchant, provoke reflection, shock when necessary, make people laugh, move them, and, above all, awaken awareness. For me, art is a territory where dreams and reality meet — and in that meeting, there is room for protest, for poetry, and for transformation. Every work I create, whether in film, theater, television, or literature, carries the desire to touch people in a genuine way, leaving a mark that resonates far beyond the moment of the experience itself.


What is your opinion on the cultural industry?


I see the cultural industry as navigating both a stage and a labyrinth. It is a place where great works can emerge and reach millions, but also where talents are often lost in the noise of ready-made formulas and market demands. It holds the power to spread ideas, yet too often ends up repeating patterns and numbing the audience’s perception instead of challenging it.


Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?


Making independent films is, more often than not, a daily battle — not against a lack of talent or ideas, but against scarce resources and barriers to access. It’s a fight to get projects off the ground, secure screening opportunities, reach the right audience, and still manage the demands of everyday life.
The current landscape offers new windows, such as online festivals, social media, and streaming platforms, but that doesn’t mean the path is any easier. In Brazil, for example, many public funding programs require a film to perform well in theaters — yet getting space in those cinemas is an uneven fight. Schedules are saturated with commercial productions and major releases, and when an independent film does manage to get in, it either demands a heavy investment in publicity — which we usually don’t have — or is limited to such a short run that building and keeping an audience becomes almost impossible.
Competition is intense, visibility is fleeting, and the pressure to adapt to algorithms and trends can distort the creative essence. Even so, I believe the strength of the independent artist lies precisely in the ability to resist, reinvent, and find their own ways for their voice to be heard and their work to reach those who need to see it.


What new project are you currently working on?


We are currently seeking partners and co-producers for two projects with strong international potential:

Doctor Hypotheses 2 – The Breakdown is the sequel to one of my most awarded films on the independent circuit, recognized at festivals across five continents. This time, the iconic character returns in a post-pandemic world, revisiting — with humor and bite — the dilemmas we have faced in recent years. In this setting, mental health remains an urgent and delicate subject, and the film invites audiences to laugh and reflect on the chasms that have opened and the bridges we are still trying to build with humanity and imagination. The script has already earned multiple Best International Comedy Screenplay awards in 2025, including at the San Francisco Film Achievement Awards, promoted by Wild Filmmaker.

Emotional Survival Guide is a bold series blending humor, emotion, and social critique to explore human relationships through a universal lens. Set in Lorenzo’s unconventional therapy office, patients from all walks of life — from influencers to retirees, mystics to missionaries — reveal their pains, quirks, and desires in sessions as unexpected as they are cathartic. Each episode is a comic deep dive into contemporary fragilities, with inventive staging and sharp writing that turn laughter into reflection.

Beyond these, we have other projects already submitted to production funding programs: a lighthearted and irresistible comedy that humorously explores modern relationship dynamics such as arguments and polyamory; an epic with global appeal; and an Indigenous drama with strong cultural and visual value, ideally suited for the international festival circuit and reaching new audiences.
We are looking for partners willing to walk alongside us, sharing both risks and triumphs, and who see art as a space for genuine encounters between cultures. We want to tell stories that cross borders and stay in the mind, crafted with artistic rigor and the awareness that they can also achieve strong audience and market results.