my short films.
Explore a curated collection of my short films, showcasing my skills as a director, editor, writer, cinematographer, and producer.
official poster
Athegus (2023)
My roles: co-director, co-writer, co-producer, co-editor
Logline: Embarking on a transformative journey, a Cree man confronts his intergenerational trauma by delving into the memories of his late Elder and rediscovering the healing power of his Peoples' land-based practices.
Part of the IndigiDocs program hosted by the National Screen Institute and the National Film Board of Canada.
Accolades: ImagiNative Film Festival, official selection. McMinnville Short Film Festival, official selection. Yorkton Film Festival, nominated for Best Documentary Short. Three Fires International Film Festival, official selection.
official poster
A Walk in the Park (2021)
My roles: director, writer, editor, producer, actor
WATCH FULL FILM HERE, 7mins.
Log line: After emerging from a COVID-19 quarantine, an anxious recluse encounters his greatest nemesis determined to destroy him during a fateful walk in the park.
Director's Statement: Amidst the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the crippling anxiety and social withdrawal experienced by myself, friends, and family.
In a world where our own thoughts can become adversaries, life becomes an arduous journey.
Driven by this observation, I felt compelled to weave a narrative that explores the profound impact of mental illness, leading individuals down the treacherous path of isolation and the illusion of control. However, my film also emphasizes the power of hope, reminding us that it begins with taking that crucial step towards reconnecting with our community.
Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and CBC Radio.
Accolades: New York Tri-State International Film Festival, office selection, Istanbul Film Awards, Best Actor, Istanbul Film Awards, Best Editor, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, official selection, Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift, official selection.
trailer
Life of Leonard (2013)
My roles: cinematographer, co-writer, producer, editor, voice talent
Logline: Through the personal effects left behind by the late Leonard, including his well-worn jeans and vintage camera, "Life of Leonard" unveils a captivating narrative inspired by Philip K. Dick's novel Ubik.
Director's Statement: "The things we buy say a lot about us." This profound realization inspired me to delve into the intimate world of Leonard's belongings, exploring the depths of his character and unraveling his story through these tangible remnants. In this short film, I aim to capture the essence of Philip K. Dick's work, embracing the surreal and thought-provoking elements found within Ubik, while showcasing the profound impact of objects in shaping one's identity and illuminating the human experience.
entire film
official poster
Lost Soul Parts (2022)
My roles: director, writer, producer, editor, actor
WATCH FULL FILM HERE, 5mins.
Log line: Trapped between surreal ancestral visions and a hauntingly bleak reality, a lost wanderer embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery.
Director's Statement: As I observed the impact of transnational displacement on refugees and immigrants in our post-secular, consumerist society, I couldn't ignore the spiritual disillusionment that ensued. This reflection is not only my own but also resonates with countless first-generation westerners severed from their ancestral lands, rituals, and stories.
Lost Soul Parts serves as a poignant reminder of the vital significance in maintaining a connection to our roots—a testament to the enduring quest for self-discovery.
Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Accolades: Istanbul Film Awards, Best Free Speech Short Film, Istanbul Film Awards, Best Experimental Short Film, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, official selection
trailer
The Monster You Let In (2018)
My roles: director, editor, writer
Director's Statement: This experimental short film emerged from a deeply introspective poem I wrote on the eve of Trump's election, encapsulating the palpable sense of division and conflict in our society. The core theme explores the culture war that has engulfed us, the ideological struggle between the so-called Left and the Right, and the clash between traditional values and progress. Through visual experimentation and evocative storytelling, my aim is to provoke reflection and ignite conversations about the direction our world is heading. This film serves as a catalyst for examining the complexities of our time and reimagining a future that transcends these divisions, bridging the gaps and fostering empathy and understanding. This is the first in a series of sketches depicting the archetype of the dying king – a drowning muse of late-imperial Americana, and its exceptions.
entire poem
entire film
We Make Stories Out of Totem Poles (2017)
My role: producer
WATCH FULL FILM HERE, 8mins.
Logline: In this powerful short film, Kwakwaka'wakw carver Charles Joseph channels his dreams and haunting memories into breathtaking cedar carvings, sharing his poignant story of survival, resilience, and personal transformation after enduring the horrors of residential school.
The Dinner Party
My roles writer
Iwrote a sci-fi short geared towards the YA market for an exciting new storyworld entitled, Future Now developed by Embreate, the co-producers of the popular YouTube channel What If, which has garnered more than 35 million subscriptions across their social media platforms. Happy to have the opportunity to work with the project’s Head Writer, Conor McCreery, the co-writer of Kill Shakespeare, the popular graphic novel.
Log line: a young, talented nanotechnologist for the Transhumanists gets invites to a glamorous dinner party by her boss, but she soon discovers there may be something else in store for her.
Themes: power and control. On the one hand, Azadeh wants the power that Bit-Simone speaks of. The power to fully interface with AI to reach her full potential as a creative technologist. On the other hand, she's worried she'll become no more than a collectivist slave to hivemind whims. It's the ultimate decision: freedom or supercharged power with unlimited potential.
Learn more about the Future Now project here.
Short story, funded by Ontario Creates.
entire film
She Once Was (2013)
My roles: cinematographer, director, editor, poet, producer
Logline: Through the juxtaposition of a poetic narrative and the captivating landscapes of Northern Mexico's Peyote deserts, this early experimental video project delves into the profound connection between the land and its ancient roots, bridging the gap between its prehistoric oceanic origins and its current desert manifestation.