Five Films That Profoundly Transformed My Life

Each film offered a window in who I am and who I could be

We can become someone else through film. Photo by OlyaLole. Pixabay.

For much of my life, I ate, breathed, and slept cinema.

As a kid, I yearned to star in and direct films. My fantasy never wavered, and I studied film in college before heading to Hollywood for a prestigious internship. I had some phenomenal experiences in L.A., but after a year, decided to explore the world, work one-off Production Assistant gigs, and keep Hollywood life at bay.

I didn’t know if I had the gumption and talent needed to succeed in feature film work. Many of those close to me didn’t understand my passion, and anxiety over my future overwhelmed me. I left for twelve years before circling back. By that point, I knew writing to be my one unyielding passion.

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities welcomed me back, but never seemed to amount to anything more than one-off gigs. I was mentored by prolific and successful screenwriters. But L.A. fit too tight and made me uncomfortable. I guess I didn’t “want it bad enough.”

After little success, much soul-searching and signs pointing away from the film industry, I got out — permanently. I knew I needed to create stories, but I decided to stick to the written page. Both roads are arduous, but it turns out this one suits…