Journals on my Shelf

An introduction to the notes, memories, and reflections that have traveled with me through decades of filmmaking — and the red cabinet where they’ve been waiting.

First Film

I didn't know then, but this was the beginning...

It Starts With a Call Part 1,2, and 3

A simple voice to begin is followed by a very long journey that BEGINS in Timbuktu...

My First Camera

Does owning equipment a filmmaker maketh?

“Trust In Allah But Tie Your Camel.” Sufi saying

How documentary films became a graduate-level university of teaching through the years -- with the help of the Film Gods of course.

One Step Leads To Another

My first film brings me close to magic. And almost twenty years later I get a call from the Magician.

The Rip Open Ritual

The sacred routein of going to the lab to pick up my processed film and seeing those first amazing images appear on those tiny frames.

The Butcher of Lyon wins an Academy Award

The bodyguard for The Butcher of Lyon and all of us get a first lesson in beginning to take responsibility for what we do in life.

In the Flip of a Coin

It comes up often. It even happened to me recently. I was having lunch with a friend who was struggling to choose between two conflicting film jobs. Both had their pros and cons, making the decision challenging. So, I shared the coin flip trick. “Flip…