I regularly get asked the questions such as ‘What kind of things do you film?’ or ‘What are your films about?’ and upon answering, I always struggle to correctly articulate myself. I think it’s because I don’t have a simple answer to any of these questions. I really wish the answer was simple sometimes, but the truth is, every film I create feels different to me. I still feel like I need to fill this neglected void though, so here is my attempt at it.
When I first began filming, I used to look for really interesting people to interview and collaborate with. People that I thought would have an interesting story to tell. But over time I realised that absolutely everybody is interesting, it’s just for the most part we are taught to close up and not let the gems out.
The mystery within each person is what drives me. We all reside in a world full of masks, masks that we have been taught to wear, masks that are built to fit any particular situation. If you choose not to wear these masks, you cannot function in society. These fabricated masks come equipped with rules that lead to a sense of conformity and a deep seeded need for acceptance. This way of living/thinking has always concerned me, because the idea of wearing a ‘social’ mask combats the notion of revealing the beautiful truth about somebody.
And it's that truth that I am always looking for, it interests me, mainly because it is so very rare (and special). On the outset, most people are cool with living their seemingly comfortable little facades, but deep down in the depths of self, people are dying to share their inner secrets with someone that is willing to listen. Unfortunately the few that are willing to listen come equipped with judgemental agendas and it is the judging that everyone is afraid of. I find it humorous to think that people are judged, simply for being themselves, but are excused if they follow a pseudo existence.
I like witnessing the journey towards someone’s inner beauty and I feel that's what my films do. They provide a platform to allow people their own permission to divulge what they would never reveal to their closest companion. I don’t have any preconceived agendas and I never have any idea what will be spoken about before the initial filming takes place, I just know that my films are 100% honest.
The people I collaborate with are all extremely courageous human beings. They break the mould and stare their lifelong fears in the face. It’s scary process, but they all manage to do it. Whenever I complete a film, I always feel proud to know that there are people that are not afraid, even if everything tells them to keep their truths concealed.
Many people have asked how get people to be so candid in each of my interviews/films, and the answer is simple, I just set the scene, ask a question, I then shut up and listen… you should try it.
I urge you to watch my films, not because I’m seeking extra likes or views, those kind of things don’t really drive me. I just want you to really listen to each persons story and think about how important it was for them to tell it.