Before I ever picked up a camera with any sort of intention, I learnt a valuable lesson about the power of photography from a photograph.

In 1976, photojournalist Stanely Forman captured a very dramatic moment at a protest. He called it the Soiling of Old Glory. See for yourself. I found the photo while researching the pulitzer prize. That moment was where it all started.

It set me on a path. I followed that path through college as a photojournalist capturing Black Lives Matter protests. As a set photographer capturing stills on documentaries around the world. And now as a director crafting their first featuring film.

I learned that intention should be paramount to an artist. As a photojournalist, the intention is truth. Unfiltered and unscripted. Truth to a filmmaker, is created. Mise en scene (staged). Intention here is deliberate. Careful and unhurried. We’re encouraged to select the right medium for the message.

My work is deliberate and unfiltered. I intend to be careful in my selection and unhurried by capitalism."