15 Jan

Posted at 02:33h in Behind the Scenes, Creative by
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2017 was a year of film festivals for Moth to Flame. It was our first time “touring” our film, My Heart – Ya Albi. Though we did go to a few festivals for our previous films, “A Bird’s Nest” and “Two Roads,” it was definitely not to the extent that we have (and continue to) with My Heart – Ya Albi. We are thankful for the incredible response to the film and all the incredible awards we have won, the cool parties we have attended, and most importantly, the awesome people we have met. You hear horror stories of filmmakers...

03 Jan

Posted at 17:45h in Behind the Scenes, MTF Office by
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At the beginning of a new year, we love to reflect on all of the accomplishments we have been blessed with, but most importantly think about what we can all improve on and continue to grow. Before we get into our 2018 New Year Resolutions for Moth to Flame, here are some of the goals we set to accomplish in 2017. Goals for 2017 – did we accomplish them? We focused on the following film production goals for 2017: Period piece content Episodic storytelling Shorter shorts.   Period Piece Content We have accomplished most of these goals, some better than...

23 Nov

Posted at 07:50h in Behind the Scenes, Ya Albi by
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Day before Thanksgiving   I am sitting at the Austin airport as I write this, about to leave for Colorado to visit my brother in Denver for Thanksgiving. While I am waiting, I’m busily trying to write posts and generate buzz about our Academy qualified film, My Heart – Ya Albi. Academy qualified. It doesn’t seem real. I remember a few years ago watching the Academy nominated films in the movie theater and thinking that my filmmaking was still a long way from the caliber of those films. Yet, here I am in the airport in 2017, only a few...

08 Nov

Posted at 17:59h in Behind the Scenes, Creative, Ya Albi by
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Becoming Aya in My Heart Playing Aya in My Heart – Ya Albi was a pivotal role for me. Part of the joy of being an actor is exploring the depths of another being, creating a life and making it real…hoping to do service to the story and writing. It is a joy to do this even when it is difficult. Becoming Aya was difficult. Not only because she is so far removed from me, but also because it was personal and the subject matter important. Personal Ties to My Heart I am part Syrian. Since this war has started…

05 Nov

Posted at 04:44h in Behind the Scenes, Creative, Ya Albi by
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I am the proud daughter of an immigrant. I am the proud daughter of a veteran. I am a product of both love and war. Not only do I carry the hopes and dreams of both my parents, but most likely, just like you, I am an American Dream.  Perhaps, we don't share the same religious or political views. I'm very much ok with that and so grateful to live in a country that allows us all to freely voice our different opinions and beliefs.Today, however, I would like to "take the liberty" to speak to you on a universal...

01 Nov

Posted at 05:00h in Behind the Scenes, Creative, Ya Albi by
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Dear Universe,   I want an Oscar (SO MUCH) – the elusive golden statue that appears in most filmmakers’ dreams, a symbol that validates all the blood, sweat, and tears, and one of the highest honors a filmmaker can hope to achieve. Once, this goal seemed barely obtainable, but now “My Heart – Ya Albi” is one of the 160+ Oscar qualified live action short films contending for a spot on the “Short List” for a 2018 Oscar nomination.   My Heart - Ya Albi is an Oscar qualified live action short film I am so thankful that we have...

06 Sep

Posted at 03:10h in Behind the Scenes, Film and TV, Ya Albi by
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Working with the right composer is crucial to any film. Music helps to strengthen the flow and emotional pacing in a film in combination with the visual elements. We experience the world with all of our senses and when we are able to appeal to as many of these senses in one comprehensive experience, the audience feels it. It is Cinematic Magic. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, here is a peek: YA ALBI SOUNDTRACK       One of the composers we have had the great pleasure to work with is composer, Steffen Schmidt.   Steffen...

26 Jul

Posted at 19:16h in Behind the Scenes, Shakespeare on the Range by
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Shakespeare on the Range   The inspiration for Shakespeare on the Range hit me in the form of a Facebook video. One typical morning, while I ate my breakfast and looked at the daily newsfeed for Facebook, I saw a short documentary about a group of prisoners putting on a Shakespearean play. I sat there, instantly mesmerized. Here was a group of people who I normally would consider “out of mind out of sight” members of society and they were right in front of me being completely free, open, and authentic. Despite some less than stellar acting performances, the joy on…