Filter

Editor, Director, Videographer

The ASK:

The origins of Rhonna’s art stem from her architectural background and love of coffee. After having her morning cup of coffee, she felt compelled to keep each coffee filter thinking it would be a waste of textured paper. Around this time, Rhonna started taking yoga classes and became inspired by the spirituality of the practice. She would pour out her feelings onto paper. Her first artistic creations were penciled drawings on these used coffee filters.

She reached out to me to help tell her story and document her journey.

The SOLVE:

Intentional practice and authenticity are important values in Rhonna’s art and life, and I wanted to represent that in this documentary.

To reflect just how intentional her practice is, I focused on the important routines of her life. Rhonna unrolls the yoga mat carefully, then cycles through a set of yoga poses. She tucks her daughter into bed, brews a cup of coffee, then sits cross-legged in front of her canvas. In these little disciplines, Rhonna’s creative brain sought to express her feelings. I asked her questions about her every day tasks on camera, and directed her to describe how her routines and intentions blossomed into her artistic practice.

I thought her authenticity would be best represented through the lens of her family and friends. I conducted several interviews with her yoga peers, yoga teachers, and family members asking each to describe Rhonna and what they feel when looking at her art work.

For the edit, I worked with a professional composer to build a music track that was sentimental, inspiring, soft, and cinematic. As I weaved the story together, I made sure to stay true to Rhonna’s personality and artwork, and represent correctly the community that supports her.

The TELL:

This mini documentary was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Spot Feature, and Best Score at the Orange County Film Festival.