Alia R. {autumn 2006}
Born 1978 in Buffalo, NY. Moved to New York City in 1996. Moved to Los Angeles in 2006.
previous schools attended and educational experiences:
Columbia University - Two-semester graduate level Screenwriting course with Israel Horovitz. (2004) New York University - Sight and Sound: 16mm Filmmaking course. (2002) William Esper Studio (New York) - Sanford Meisner-based acting school. (2001) Parsons School of Design - Summer course in Photography. (1995)
significant professional and creative experiences:
Director, 'Broken Screen.' Companion film to artist Doug Aitken's 2006 book. Featuring John Baldessari, Kenneth Anger, Andrea Zittel, Vito Acconci, Miranda July, Jeff Koons, Ariel Pink, Adam Green, Black Dice.
(In post production.)
Director, various music videos for artists including Winter Flowers, the Chapin Sisters, and Jeremy Jay. (In various stages of production and post production.) Co-Producer, 'The Most Beautiful Show That Ever Lived' (Musical variety series written and directed by Becky Stark. Featuring Miranda July, Jim Drain, Tunde Adebimpe, Josh Fadem, Ron Rege Jr.) (2004 -
present)
Producer, 'Vern' (30 minute documentary for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art). (2003)
interests, influences and ambitions: My interests include learning about old things and making new things. What makes me feel human is being a part of the process in which things change over time - shifts in art, culture, attitudes, modes of communication...and what allows this to happen is the act of people innovating. Creating things can take the form of writing a novel or building a house or making a movie to choosing what one is going to eat or read or wear on a particular day. My influences have been hugely varied, from books ('Wide Sargasso Sea') to artists (Lee Bontecou) to family members (my mother). I'm fascinated by unexpected or seemingly trivial influences and am inspired by the everyday. My ambitions are to continue to grow and develop as an artist and a person, in my perspectives and my relationships and my work. Why do you want to attend the Sundown Schoolhouse? I am dedicated to living a creative life and interested in a range of disciplines. The bulk of my experience has been in filmmaking and acting, but the school's mission and curriculum seem to be a good match for me and what I want to learn. By attending, I hope to grow as a person and an artist.
how did you hear about the Sundown Schoolhouse? Through friends.