Bootstraps, a film I directed last year, is now public and accessible by my link in bio!
This film began as an idea to establish critique against U.S. imperialism and colonialism in the Middle East and evolved into narrow focus on Palestine as Israel intensified its violence (prior to Oct 7). The film wrapped shoot on July 30th, 2023, a final edit was made on on April 2nd, 2024, and as of today, Israel’s violence, with the help of the U.S., has evolved to full-scale genocide with a current estimated 40,000+ killed (calculated largely with bodies found above the rubble). As filmmakers, I believe it is our duty to use the camera to give light to the most pressing concerns of our times and to encapsulate an ethos — so that it may not be forgotten — and the voices of liberation struggles — so that they may never die. And as an Armenian and a Jew, I cannot stand idly by watching another genocide unfold. Here, I present to you what I would call a microcosm for the conditions created under Israel and the U.S. that give birth to an inexorable violence, and whether justified or not, one must consider the material conditions that arise to give momentum to these instances of bloodshed. From there, one can understand what are the steps to cease the violence. We need a ceasefire! We need an end to the occupation now! FREE PALESTINE!
Poster designed by
@annawr3n
BTS 📸 captured by
@kayodidthat_
Big thank you to my fellow crew and cast that made this film possible and big shoutout to
@lakeshorehy for overseeing and funding this production
Cast:
Arman -
@_samir_32
Steven -
@davidjamesslama
Giselle -
@andreaxm727
Crew:
Executive Producer - Brandi Reed
Producer - Andrew Duvall
@duvyyyyy
Production Supervisor -
@jonjbivins
Director, Writer, Editor, Sound Designer - Yours Truly :)
Cinematographer -
@insta_grahaamm
Production Designer -
@nellurso
Music -
@dontcallmejay
1st AD -
@noahayy.exe
1st AC
@oscarhockin
2nd AC
@annawr3n
Gaffers - Jae Kim &
@ryderallen07
Scripty -
@jonas.j.gonsalves
PA -
@mr.dedd
Boom Mic Op and Audio -
@mc.img 
