DC: Can you give us a description of your short film that you’ve included into 7 From Etheria?
AJ: A boy and his mother fight for survival, trapped in the bleak underground world of “Zone 2.”
DC: What does it mean to you to have your film included alongside such talented female filmmakers?
AJ: This group is brave, fearless, persistent, and awe inspiring. I have no doubt all these women will be doing much more throughout their careers. It’s a tough journey, being on this ride, so to be alongside this list is humbling and motivating. I hope I can live up to what everyone else will be accomplishing! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.
DC: Who are some of the people whose work you admire, or draw inspiration from?
AJ: Jane Campion, the “Piano”. When I experienced this film I was going through a rebirth in life and felt like someone knew me, knew my story in a similar way — as if she reached out and hugged me, and understood me. Stories from a different time and place, that shine a light on the same human experiences we are experiencing now, is one of the magical things about cinema. I definitely love Nora Ephron. She has a flare for the fantastical comedy with a bit of romance — all from the female perspective. Both of these women write and direct, something I hope I can continue to have the opportunity to do, that one of my pieces will impact other women, as their pieces have impacted me.
DC: Lastly, after the release of 7 From Etheria, what can your followers look forward to seeing from you in the future?
AJ: Ironically my first feature was a family film. I’m currently directing my second feature, also a family film … but my plan is direct a thriller this fall! It’s a new spin on a familiar genre, a small contained thriller called, “The Drop-Off”. I actually think I’m better at writing suspense versus straight family dramas, as I’ve always been drawn to those since childhood. I guess my ultimate dream/goal would be able to direct “Malificient 3,” ha, or an installment in a series like Harry Potter or Star Wars. All of these IP’s have great suspense, but are geared towards the whole family. Since I have four children of my own, I try to make it a priority to create content that is highly suspenseful and engaging for them too.