Yuri Kochiyama Tribute Video

I had the honor of creating the tribute video for the Yuri Kochiyama memorials held in Oakland, LA and NY. Family and friends provided the photos and Blue Scholars provided the track. Yuri was a hero of mine and a great family friend, as are all members of the Kochiyama family. Her passion and commitment to the liberation of all peoples continues to inspire my work. 

My Shortlist on MediaRights.org

My friend Theresa Navarro at Arts Engine asked me to participate in their Filmmaker's Shortlist project. It was a lot of fun to take the time to write about some of my favorite documentaries. Check out my top 7 films that have influenced me the most. "Style Wars" and "American Movie" would have made the list but other filmmakers had already written about them. Read article HERE

Thanks Dave

Less than half way into this month and it's already been a crazy one. I entered my 30's, got rejected for the second time by the school I was raised to love, got accepted by the school that I was born to hate, and was presented with a possible opportunity that could shape the next 2 years of my life. I definitely feel like I'm at some kind of crossroad in my career path and it's been met by more anxiety than excitement.

Even though I heard about how amazing Dave Chappelle was as a guest on Inside the Actor's Studio back in '06, I never got around to watching it. Kinda like The Wire, I had slept on one of the most phenomenal things to happen to TV in a long time. But in a way, I'm glad I hadn't seen it until last night because I doubt the impact and inspiration that I got from Dave's words would have been as high if I wasn't at this crossroad.

If you've never seen this before or haven't since it came out, do yourself a favor and watch it:



Thanks Dave!

The "Hug Song" Video Dir. by Zia Moharjerjasbi

Best memorial video ever! One of my favorite filmmakers Zia Mohajerjasbi made this piece for the memorial service of a close friend. A wise man taught me that good art comes down to: form, content, context. This piece highlights the importance of... context. If you've ever lost a loved one, take yourself back to their funeral and then through your tears you watch this. Brilliant!



Keep settin the bar Zia!

Arianna Huffington

I'm one of those people who kinda actually really enjoy graduation ceremonies. Maybe because the anxiety that I felt when I was sitting in my own ceremony, is at the same level now some 6 years later. But Arianna is spittin troofs that I really needed to hear.

"I don't see failure as the opposite of success, I see failure as a stepping stone to success."
- Arianna Huffington (wise old white lady)