Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘I See You. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
I have always been passionate about storytelling—it started with writing short stories that
allowed me to bring characters and worlds to life. During the pandemic quarantine, I discovered screenwriting, which opened a whole new avenue for storytelling. I wrote my first feature-length screenplay by diving deep into online resources and learning the craft through YouTube tutorials. This self-guided journey led me to co-create my high school’s first film club, where I collaborated with peers to direct and produce our first short film. For a long time, I was self-taught, experimenting with ideas and techniques through trial and error, but that changed when I started attending the University of Virginia. Here, I enrolled in Studio Art classes, which gave me formal training and taught me the proper techniques behind filmmaking. The hands-on experience and guidance from professors and peers helped refine my skills. I used everything I’d learned—both self-taught and academic—to create ‘I See You’, a semester-long student film project that became a culmination of my growth as a filmmaker.
Tell us about ‘I See You’. How do you describe it?
‘I See You’ is a deeply personal story about acceptance and family. It explores the often-overlooked idea that while family can be our strongest pillar of support, we need to accept ourselves fully before we can truly let others in. The film delves into themes of reconciliation and self-acceptance, emphasizing how critical family bonds can be in helping us heal and grow. I think of it as a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who has struggled to embrace who they are or sought solace in the people around them.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
Christopher Nolan is my current favorite filmmaker because of his unique ability to connect with vast audiences while maintaining a distinct, auteur style. His works, like Inception and Interstellar, showcase his masterful command of narrative structure, visual storytelling, and profound thematic depth. Recently, I’ve also been drawn to the works of Andrei Tarkovsky. His films, such as Stalker and Solaris, are deeply poetic and philosophical, and his firm dedication to his artistic vision is something I aspire to emulate as a director. Tarkovsky’s focus on the human condition and his bold approach to storytelling inspire me to stay true to my own creative instincts.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
With a substantial budget, I would bring to life a feature film I wrote over the summer about lucid dreaming. This project explores the interplay between consciousness, dreams, and reality, and I envision it as a visually striking and thought-provoking journey. A good budget would allow me to create immersive dreamscapes, using practical effects and cutting-edge technology to do justice to the story’s surreal, otherworldly elements. It’s a concept I’m incredibly passionate about, and I believe it has the potential to captivate audiences while pushing creative boundaries.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
To keep production on schedule, I would focus on clear communication and meticulous planning. Before every shoot day, I’d collaborate with my production assistant to review the shot list and ensure we have a realistic, well-organized plan. This process would include prioritizing shots based on their complexity and location, ensuring we use time efficiently. I’d also hold brief meetings with the crew before the shoot to address any concerns and align everyone on the day’s goals. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere and maintaining a structured approach, I would ensure the production stays on track without compromising creativity or quality.
What was the hardest part of making ‘I See You’.
The most challenging aspect of making ‘I See You’ was the writing process. The script underwent numerous drafts, with each iteration requiring deeper introspection and refinement to bring out the story’s emotional core. Striking the right balance between authenticity and narrative flow took time and persistence. There were moments when I doubted whether the story was resonating as I hoped, but feedback from peers and mentors helped me refine it into something I’m truly proud of.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
My next project is a proof-of-concept short film based on the feature-length screenplay I wrote about lucid dreaming. This short will serve as a showcase for the visual style, themes, and narrative approach I envision for the full-length film. My goal is to submit it to film festivals and competitions to gain recognition and, ideally, attract producers or collaborators who can help bring the larger project to life. Beyond that, I aim to continue exploring bold, imaginative stories that challenge perceptions and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
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