Kamelya alexan interview
The biggest challenge in my community is that no one understands my goals, hence, they do not know how to help me.
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Kamelya Alexan
Filmmaker / Director
Feb 02 2010
Kamelya Alexan is a young Assyrian filmmaker who has worked on Hollywood movies such as The Dark Knight. Kamelya has recently directed and released a 21 minute short film One Simple Life which deals with a very strong subject matter. The movie has caught the eye of big name producers in Hollywood.
Who is Kamelya Alexan?
I'm a young inspired filmmaker who works on independent / Hollywood films. On professional sets i'm an assistant but I direct and produce all my own films. I'm a determined, hardworking filmmaker that never takes no for an answer. If I want something done, it's going to get done.
How did you get into filmmaking?
Honestly, it was pure boredom. I needed a challenge in my life. I wanted to prove that I could be successful in the most difficult career to get into. I want to be able to show my audience something new every time.
Tell us about the 'One Simple Life' short film. Why was it made?
A few months before I even started thinking of a film, I found out that my cousin was diagnosed with schizophrenia. My uncle suggested that I make a film on the disease, so I started brainstorming ideas. I basically went up to my partner and said "Let's write a story about schizophrenia." Not much to go off of, but a few months later 'One Simple Life' was born. Then, five drafts later, we were ready to film.
What did it mean to you personally to produce such a meaningful and emotional film?
This film means a lot to me because it hits close to home. There are not a lot of films that clearly define what this illness does to people. We've never seen a film that focuses on the daily struggle of a young schizophrenic person. How they adapt to their illness and the people around them.
How long did filming last?
We had three consecutive days of principle photography along with three additional days of pickup shots. Our last day of filming had to be done months later to be shot in a summer atmosphere and it also gave the main actor, Brian Soszynski, enough time to lose a considerable amount of weight.
Was the film screened? If so, did you receive any feedback from the community?
Our first screening was on November 22, 2009 at the Skokie Theatre in Skokie, Illinois. We had local press at the premiere and they wrote articles about what they experienced. We had a very positive reaction from the audience and press. As a result of the sold out show, the owner of the theater decided to have another screening. The highlight of the evening is when three individuals, that are familiar with schizophrenia, complimented on our attention to detail on the illness. That is exactly what we were shooting for and it made us feel like we did our job. I was just disappointed that no one from the Assyrian community decided to attend the screening. I tried to reach out numerous times with no result.
Any future screenings?
Yes, we are having a second screening on February 28, 2010 at 7pm Skokie Theatre. Tickets are available now.
Besides "One Simple Life", are there any other projects you have worked on?
I have worked on numerous Hollywood films including The Dark Knight, Public Enemies, The Weatherman, Fred Clause, The Unborn, and The Express. As far as independent projects, I have produced and directed numerous music videos, commercials, and short films.
What's next for Kamelya? Any projects in the pipeline?
My partner, Brian Soszynski, and I are in the final stages of polishing our first feature film production script. We have a few future projects that we'd love to get involved in, but we are really trying to get this feature off the ground first.
You go to a lot of movie premieres, have you met anyone famous? If so, do you have a favorite actor?
I have been to numerous premieres and award shows, with a considerable amount of talent present. My first premiere was The Weatherman in Chicago, Illinois. I've met Nicolas Cage, Robin Williams, Billy Bob Thorton, Virginia Madsen, George Lopez, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan, and much more. It's kind of a hobby with me. My favorite actor is Jim Carrey. He is my inspiration and the most versatile actor, in my opinion. I grew up watching his films and the laughter helped me get through the tough times in my life.
What inspires you in life?
A well-told story with great direction. I love hearing personal struggles, goals and challenges. My inspiration comes from people who dream but don't know how to achieve.
What do you love most about Chicago?
I love the different cultural varieties. I honestly really love how Chicago is developing as a filmmaking city, because it give struggling filmmakers a change to network and grow in this industry without all of the pressures of Hollywood.
Anything you dislike about Chicago?
Most Chicagoan's would agree with me, the weather is terrible.
As a young female Assyrian filmmaker, what do you see as your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in my community is that no one understands my goals, hence, they do not know how to help me.
What makes you proud to be Assyrian?
It's truly amazing that we are one of the first people in the world. Also, the fact we can speak the same language as Jesus is amazing!
If you could invite 3 people to dinner, from the past or present, who would they be and why?
Jim Carrey, Oprah and Steve Jobs. Jim Carrey would be our entertainer. Oprah would bring up conversational topics. Steve Jobs would be the innovator.
What would you cook for them?
Honestly, we would have to go out!
Most Chicagoan's would agree with me, the weather is terrible.
As a young female Assyrian filmmaker, what do you see as your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in my community is that no one understands my goals, hence, they do not know how to help me.
What makes you proud to be Assyrian?
It's truly amazing that we are one of the first people in the world. Also, the fact we can speak the same language as Jesus is amazing!
If you could invite 3 people to dinner, from the past or present, who would they be and why?
Jim Carrey, Oprah and Steve Jobs. Jim Carrey would be our entertainer. Oprah would bring up conversational topics. Steve Jobs would be the innovator.
What would you cook for them?
Honestly, we would have to go out!
It's truly amazing that we are one of the first people in the world. Also, the fact we can speak the same language as Jesus is amazing!
If you could invite 3 people to dinner, from the past or present, who would they be and why?
Jim Carrey, Oprah and Steve Jobs. Jim Carrey would be our entertainer. Oprah would bring up conversational topics. Steve Jobs would be the innovator.
What would you cook for them?
Honestly, we would have to go out!
Honestly, we would have to go out!
Kamelya Alexan has also directed a couple of Assyrian music videos, most notably Lazar Malko's 'Ladieleh moyleh brayah' (watch below)
