Shortly after returning from a trip to my hometown of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, where I produced a film festival showcasing global short films made by women around the world, I was thinking about this accomplishment and looking ahead to the future.  How will I spend my 33rd year?  What will I do next?   Where will I find inspiration?  How can I make it meaningful?

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A few weeks later, I was driving to my new residence in New Mexico after visiting my cousin in Cheyenne, Wyoming and I decided to take a detour to Devils Tower, a very sacred place in the Native Americans culture.  In 1906, Devils Tower became the very first designated National Monument in the United States thanks to Teddy Roosevelt.  It is also the perfect place for a cinema buff to visit as it was featured in the 1977 film, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”   

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I was fortunate enough to stay at the Devils Tower Lodge in a room that overlooks this natural wonder, owned by a quirky and charismatic man, Frank, who hosts a community dinner every night at his lodge.  This stay was incredibly inspiring.  I couldn’t help but notice Frank’s life’s motto written all over the walls:  “Blessed Are Those Who Live Out Their Dreams.”

On the drive home to New Mexico, the main highway was laden with traffic and a nasty storm was fast approaching.  In attempts to find an alternate route, I found myself somewhere in the middle of Colorado on a deserted dirt road that seemed to lead nowhere.  Not far down this road, all communication was lost, and the road kept getting steeper and narrower, and I wasn't sure that my car (which is not 4WD and had severely low tires, a headlight out, and half a tank of gas) was going to make it.

I pulled out my handy map of Colorado, but could not even find this road anywhere on the map!  I decided that if I kept driving, I would eventually reach a town where I could re-group, spend the night, and find my way home in daylight.  However, no such town appeared, and I kept driving deeper and deeper into the wilderness.  I encountered many animals; elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and finally I spotted my very first bear!

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I felt vulnerable and alone.  There were plenty of blankets, food and water in my car so I knew I would survive the night, and yet, I had a persistent longing.  As the road got rougher and rougher, and my gas tank teetered toward empty, the stars shone bright and the galaxies were as crisp and clear as I’ve ever seen.

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I wanted to share this precious moment with others.  I felt the need for connection.  Suddenly, Frank’s motto began to play on repeat in my head, "Blessed Are Those Who Live Out Their Dreams,” and the urge to do something significant and special in my 33rd year resonated within.  In that moment, “33 And Me” was born.

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I want to travel, learn, explore, and create art that connects people.   I wish to seek out creative individuals that innovate, inspire and challenge the status quo. 

A large part of why I make films is to connect with and connect to other human beings.  This is why I am compelled to make "global films,” so as to connect across cultures around the globe in a shared experience.  I believe that communicating with others around the world; in expression, in thought, and in shared empathy is incredibly important to a happy, healthy, peaceful society.

The art of cinema is my love and passion.  Travel is how I find knowledge, inspiration, and connection:  combining these two endeavors can only lead to magical, meaningful, inspirational moments.  Perhaps, through the “33 And Me” Film Project, I will learn a bit about life, love, cinema, history, others, and me.

At the age of 33, I am not super young anymore, nor am I even remotely old.  I have significant creative and professional accomplishments under my belt, yet, I still have my whole life ahead of me; a lot of aspirations to make in my career as a filmmaker, and hopefully, a many exciting adventures and inspiration ahead.  

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As I continue my journey in this chosen profession as a filmmaker, I realize that I am coming from a very specific perspective:  I am a single, Millennial, American woman, who has managed to produce works of theatre and film since I was in my teens.  I am engulfed by a strange and surreal world, where we are bombarded by messages to “fear the other” and to isolate ourselves into our own increasingly nationalistic society where the idea of a free press is being unravelled.  Additionally, as a woman filmmaker, I feel the energy of a complicated and empowering #MeToo movement.

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Much of the world appears to be embracing extremism and choosing isolationism over globalism.  I choose globalism, and I feel very strongly about this.  Don’t get me wrong, I value America and my upbringing here.  I feel very fortunate to have been raised in an American democracy under the freedoms and ideals that were fostered, including, “Freedom of Speech,” “Freedom of Religion,” and “Pursuit of Happiness.”  I am fortunate enough to have lived and worked in other countries around the world that do not extend these ideals to their citizens.  I do not wish to take “Freedom of Expression” for granted, and this is one reason I am compelled to embark upon this “33 And Me” journey.  I truly believe that we as individuals need to connect with the entire planet, to better understand ourselves and our place within it, and for our societies to survive. 

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Thus, I endeavor to discover what other 33 year-old filmmakers around the world, who are at similar stages in their lives are experiencing creatively, professionally, and personally.  What types of films are they making?  What stories and themes are they exploring?  What genres and visual styles are they drawn to?  How do they perceive themselves in their lives and careers?  What are their hopes, dreams, and desires?  In this process, I plan to foster connections around the world amongst talented, intelligent, and creative individuals; to form life-long friendships and future collaborators; and to help promote the empowering expression of cinematic arts.   Along the way, I hope to remember Frank’s Motto:  “Blessed Are Those, Who Live Out Their Dreams. 

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