Filmmaker Statement

Right from the outset, I held a vision: a tale of brothers unfolding on the tactile canvas of 16mm film. These were my foundational stones for a narrative not new, but indeed original. Equipped with a psychology degree and an immersion in literature, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom, my intent was to excavate an archetypal resonance, an original narrative delving into our collective past. A narrative that could touch hearts universally. Familiar elements, like rival siblings navigating parental absence, gain a novel vibrancy when merged with personal passions like my hometown, 16mm film, and literary echoes. This fusion epitomizes the essence of creativity. Deeply inspired by fellow Californian John Steinbeck and his iconic novel "East of Eden," a contemporary reimagining of the Cain and Abel tale, I wanted to embark on a cinematic journey aligned with this saga. The reverberating question of my film is rooted in the essence of Cain and Abel: "What do we bring forth as our modern offering to our current version of God?" I believe that Love is the answer. When one's core yearnings are shaped by the void left by a missing maternal presence, how does this ache bleed into our relationships and pursuit of love? Love, death, and family weave the tapestry of themes explored in my directorial debut, "Ribbons of Euphoria." An intricate web of artistic influences and allusions envelops this film. The title itself draws from Jimi Hendrix's song "Bold as Love." Literary tributaries flow freely: Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet," Andre Aciman's "Call Me By Your Name," Madeline Miller's "The Song of Achilles," and Biblical echoes. Filmmakers Terrence Malick, Luca Guadagnino, and Jeremiah Zagar fuel my directorial ardor. The visual poetry of "Tree of Life," the atmospheric aura of "Call Me By Your Name," and the raw authenticity of "We the Animals" infuse my work with style, hues, and narrative threads. Capturing life's rustic beauty and mundanity through the lens of 16mm film, infusing voice-over narratives, cultivating a distinct visual grammar - all these facets exhibit my influences. My upbringing in a small, devout Christian community sowed the seeds of inquiry and quest for life's essence. As a storyteller, my goal is to peel back layers, exploring life's purpose, meaning, and intricacies. My directorial aspiration is to dance a dance of the sacred trinity of spirituality, psychology, and art, delving into the enigma of existence through the prism of narrative.