I used to know every line of The Princess Bride. I probably watched the film 50 times by the time I was twelve years old. I was enthralled by the realness of the story in a primarily fantasy world, which directly inspired the supernatural elements that I explore in my thesis film. Looking back, I believe The Princess Bride inspired me to create something that stays with people as much as that film has stayed with me.
My favorite feature of film and video work is examining relationships and characters. I believe time based media allows us to look at the human condition in a unique, but universal way. The physical and mental space you must reserve for viewing film and video connects a bond between the viewer and the subject. You experience them, you hate them, you love them. You put yourself in their shoes in a complete empathetic way, or through minute details that you share with them. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on my first day at college. I had the challenge to fight waves of fatigue, pain, and fear; as well as attempt to become an artist. My work is intertwined with this experience. Because of it, I have learned a great amount about sympathy versus empathy, the time we have and don’t have, and how I wanted to exist in this world. I want to exist as a filmmaker with the time I have for now, and the knowledge I’ll have forever.