New documentary film in developement-- Docu-cinema.

I've got a few interesting independent works on the way.  All of which I am looking forward to presenting.

One project, I'm really excited to be developing is a documentary about a traditional Japanese dance called Awa Odori celebrating life and spirit. I've dubbed this film in the genre of "docu-cinema" essentially an updated form of "cinema verité." This film is an exploration and reflection on tradition being upheld even when it is outside of its original land. Stay posted, updates and more info soon!

The Scraper Bike Team: Riding as One (KQED Arts/PBS)

Now out on KQED Arts (PBS), my newest mini-doc, The Scraper Bike Team: Riding as One, an Oakland original. Read the write-up and check out the video on KQED Arts. 

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"Elevations" on Okayplayer

My new cinematography work is featured on the music video for "Elevations" produced by Kriswontwo released today on Okayplayer. Directed by Alex G. Starring Bay Area rapper/producer, Wallah Umoja of Left-N-Right Records. Principal photography set in Oakland, California. Check it out the write-up and video here.

PBS - How Afrofuturism mixes science fiction and social justice

My short documentary in association with KQED Arts about Selam Bekele's view of Afrofuturism was recently featured on PBS' Art Beat. A black woman with a renewed vision of arts from the African perspective in the Bay Area.

PÖFF (Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival) Intro

I recently got to direct a short film for the Black Nights Film Festival aka PÖFF in Tallinn, Estonia. This project enabled me to work again with long time collaborator, Aleksey Siman as cinematographer. I shaped a story around the Estonian countryside in the beginnings of winter. The film will serve as look into the festival's unique love of cinema as a promotional intro. The piece is produced by the media production company, Vita Pictura. Coming soon. Photos by Peter Trudolyubov.

Oakland Screening of 6 x 6

My short film, 6 x 6 will be screening at the Omiiroo Gallery in Oakland, California as part of the Blackbuster Film Festival in association with Veuxdo Child. The night will feature a collection of short films crafted by folks of color on November 11th. Check details on the here and below:

Selam Bekele, an Oakland Afrofuturist

Check out the new piece I produced and directed with the collaboration of KQED Arts, the Northern California PBS affiliate. This a special documentary short about an artist, Selam Bekele keeping the African presence in the Bay Area through her mult-media forms of art. You can read the KQED Arts article here. See the video below:

KQED Arts doc featured on Complex Style

Shortly after the Joonbug's piece was released on the KQED Arts website, Complex Style picked up the piece and wrote an article on the artist and video! Read here on Complex Style's website.

From Jamaica to the Bay, Joonbug’s Illustrated Journey | KQED Arts

Check out the new KQED Arts piece, From Jamaica to the Bay, Joonbug’s Illustrated Journey directed by Alex F. Ghassan featuring artist- Joonbug, and director of photography- yours truly. 

On Markee 2.0 Spotlight

See what we had to say about creating the visuals for MIA-mi in Markee 2.0 magazine here: Spotlight | Southeast: Tales from Two Cities

Photo by Jennifer Huynh