How Writing and Films Saved My Life
In my storytelling, I delve into personal truths born from authentic life experiences, giving voice to the nuanced realities of the human condition and casting light into our darker corners.
My worldview has been sculpted by an array of experiences — moments brimming with beauty and tranquility, abruptly contrasted by encounters with hatred and discord. This dichotomy lies at the heart of humanity’s eternal struggle.
At the tender age of ten, my life was upheaved by my parents’ divorce, an event steeped in relentless tension and drama. My younger sister, ensnared in her own turmoil, frequently clashed with our mother, both seemingly drawn to the chaos of their conflicts.
Contrastingly, I found such drama repellent, my personal Achilles’ heel. Our home, which I dubbed “The Yelling House,” often felt more like a battlefield than a sanctuary. To escape, I turned to the solace of reading and writing. Hidden away in the comforting embrace of our backyard’s grand Weeping Willow, I would lose myself in the realms of imagination, penning my first short story at the age of twelve.
My journey into journaling and poetry began in 1991 and continues to this day. Unbeknownst to me then, these writings were a form of cognitive behavior therapy, a vital tool for navigating life’s tumultuous waves.
A few years ago, I noticed a pause in my journaling and wondered why. I realized it coincided with a period of happiness. Delving into my old journals, I discovered they were timestamps of turmoil, revealing that writing had been my sanctuary during life’s storms.
These entries were my attempts to decipher life’s complexities. Often, my thoughts raced so rapidly that I could barely keep up, my hand aching from the effort, forcing my mind to decelerate and find clarity amidst the chaos. This was my therapy — just me, myself, and a pen.
Parallel to my writing, I developed a profound love for movies, which became another form of escapism and healing. I immersed myself in the cinematic world, avoiding horror and distressing themes that aggravated my anxiety and depression. Light-hearted, soul-stirring films became my refuge, aligning with my innermost feelings.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how writing and movies converged to be my salvation. Writing helped me cope with childhood traumas, while movies guided me through adolescence into my twenties. Now, as a screenwriter, I understand that my works are reflections of the life lessons I’ve absorbed. My ambition is to create films that resonate with audiences as profoundly as others have with me, offering solace through my characters.
In my films, I strive to convey a message of unity and strength: You are never alone, but rather a beacon of love, hope, and courage. I invite viewers to harness these qualities from within and share them, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. My aim is to champion the freedom to be our authentic selves, unburdened by fear and worry, and to speak for those who cannot, reminding us all that we are never truly alone.
