A panoramic view of a rustic desert lodge with wooden architecture nestled among trees against a bright blue sky.

Chicago, Illinois ( on set of the film )

Body and Spirit


Looking back at one of my favorite and brave personal projects

In Chicago, there is something about the hustle and groove, the movement of the people in one of the coldest cities in the U.S. Being in Chicago felt different: it felt gloomy but promising, and an idea popped in my head to pursue a jazzy, black and white, amateur film to test myself and explore my creative freedom.

I met Alana through social media a while back, a dancer and creative. I initially reached out regarding a dance idea in Los Angeles, but we instead pursued this idea or concept of a young black woman dancer in Chicago.

Modern wooden deck with horizontal railings extends along red brick house exterior under forest canopy.

Why black and white? More so a reference to the classic jazz and blues commonly played without color. I enjoy gritty, rugged, old school, and nostalgic things just as much as modern, and in this particular concept I really wanted to focus on the jazz influence and evoke further emotion with the black and white color.

A panoramic view of an arid Australian outback landscape with scattered trees and red soil stretching to the horizon.
Vintage bicycles lined up against a rustic stone wall with sunlight casting dramatic shadows on the ground.

Alana was so natural in front of the camera; she filled the role well. I can be particular when it comes to choosing talent for personal projects, and I 100% wouldn't have chosen any other to collab with on this project.

Panoramic desert landscape with rugged mountains, sparse vegetation, and clear blue skies stretching across the horizon.