We all have a story to tell, and sometimes we learn more about ourselves by hearing other people’s stories. ZULUECHO Films is a new branch of The Initiative that strives to find new ways to tell those stories. Not only is it a new medium for me to learn, but from them, I hope to inspire people to realize their passions and purpose in life. Sometimes, all we need is to know that we are not alone in our journey.

Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad Creative Spotlight Film Series – Cara Christian

The third film in my Creative Spotlight Series for the Launchpad At Syracuse University – Cara Christian is an artist and founder of Ungrateful Art. Originally from Los Angeles, Cara is a Theatre Management Major at Syracuse University, and opens up to us about her journey as an artistic entrepreneur. Her products include T-Shirts, earrings, and a variety of unique pieces that she creates at home. Support her Etsy page here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ungratefulart/ Learn more about the LaunchPad here: https://launchpad.syr.edu/

Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad Creative Spotlight Film Series – Danial Khan

The second film in my Creative Spotlight Series for the LaunchPad at Syracuse University – Danial Khan is an artist and filmmaker born and raised in Oman. As a senior in Syracuse’s film program, Danial opens up to us about his journey as a filmmaker, sharing with us some great details about his most recent recap video for LOGIC’s summer 2019 tour. Danial considers himself a cross disciplinary artist, with interests in art, music, drawing and illustration, and more. Watch the full video here!

Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad Creative Spotlight Film Series – Allie Westbrook

This is the first in a series of films I am directing and producing for the 2020-2021 academic year for the Syracuse University Blackstone LaunchPad. The LaunchPad Creative Spotlight film series gives us a deeper look into the lives of our student creatives, helping us understand who they are, how they work, and how their art extends past the final products that we see to form an overall story about a person. The first spotlight is on singer/songwriter/producer Allie Westbrook, and her song “Flowers in the Attic” watch the film above, and find out more about the Launchpad Creative Spotlight Series here.

MUSIC AS CREATIVE PROCESS

MUSIC AS CREATIVE PROCESS is a small project I put together to try to understand the relationship I have to music with regards to generating ideas and inspiring almost all of the work I do for ZULUECHO INITIATIVE. Whether design work, film, or photography, my interpretation of music is large part of what drives the end result. Find out more about this project here.

MAR1 X ZULUECHO INITIATIVE – LIVE FROM THE ARBORETUM

ZULUECHO INITIATIVE teamed up with DJ/PRODUCER MAR1 for a live set from the ARBORETUM for BadVSS TV’s Aftershock Takeover Twith Music festival. This project was an incredible step for both MAR1 and ZULUECHO INITIATIVE, broadening our horizons and pushing our production capabilities to an entirely new level. This comes almost exactly a year after ZULUECHO INITIATIVE and MAR1 teamed up for a debut performance at Firefly Music festival in 2019. We hope you enjoy the set as much as we enjoyed making it!

A LETTER TO THE CLASS OF 2020

This special film is dedicated to the class of 2020. To my dear friends who have graduated, and beyond, I wish that this film can stand a celebration for everything you have accomplished and everything you will continue to accomplish as you move on with your lives. I am confident that you will go on to do great things, and inspire others to do the same. I speak on behalf of so many people around the world when I say, thank you, and congratulations class of 2020! More about this film here.

ONE WORD

This video is dedicated to our global unity and the power that we share to be kind to one another. I don’t like that term, “social distancing” because in reality we are more together now than we ever were. Physical distancing does not mean isolation. You are not alone in your thoughts. You are not alone in your anxiety, you’re not alone, period. This is something we will overcome, together. Show the world your kindness, check in on those you love, and most importantly, understand that this isn’t about you. This is about us!

BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF Y(OUR) DREAMS

Through the clothing brand we unify our message. We support one another, we climb together, and we push each other to follow the path we each want to create for ourselves. Together, we represent this message all over the world. Today, I am thrilled to release a new film that celebrates just that. Each of us has a dream, each of us has a passion. Each of us has a version of ourselves we are working towards – and that is truly special. This film is to remind us all, that we are never alone. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are able to tackle obstacles, overcome challenges, and truly grow into the people we always wanted to become. Join the movement today!

THE MEETUP 2019 RECAP

THE MEETUP 2019 recap video, a ZULUECHO INITIATIVE FILM, celebrates the event hosted by Guided by Obas, UNDERSCORE AV, and Children of the Summer. An incredible day full of learning, talent, story sharing, music, networking, and most importantly, passion. The event featured workshops, a panel discussion, and live performances from young artists and entrepreneurs who are all unified through a shared desire to grow and follow their dreams.

ZULUECHO COLLECTION X WILLIAMSBURG RECAP 

This short video was produced from behind the scenes shots of a film for ZULUECHO Initiative in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The people in the film are wearing some of the most recent ZULUECHO Collection clothing, and celebrating a unity that we all experience when we all follow our passions in life.

“CITY ON FIRE” LUCAS BROOKS X ZULUECHO INITIATIVE

ZULUECHO Initiative teamed up with New York City based artist Lucas Brooks to film a music video for his new single “City on Fire” available here. ZULUECHO Initiative’s mission reaches into the depth of people’s passions to share them with the world. Lucas’ journey as a young artist is exactly the kind of ambition and drive that ZULUECHO Initiative tries to celebrate. A true honor to be a part of this unique release!

MAR1 X FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL

This film is a celebration in many ways. A celebration of passion, of hard work, of determination – a celebration of the firm belief in the power of your dreams. Since his early days as  DJ, MAR1 has been a ZULUECHO Brand Ambassador. This year he had his debut festival performance at Firefly Music Festival, one of the largest on the east coast. This film, done in collaboration between MAR1 and ZULUECHO Initiative goes to show everyone that when you believe in something, you have to go for it.

“GET IT“

“GET IT” is for everyone doubting that their dreams can come true. This film is for anyone who thinks their ideas may not be good enough. This film is to remind all of us, that our passions matter. When we take a chance on our ambitions we learn about ourselves and the power we have to change our lives. Never let the pressures of those around you limit the way you think about who you want to become… if you believe in something, go “GET IT.”

DETACH

It is easy to become consumed by our routines. To fall into repetitive behaviors that become monotonous. Actions that don’t stimulate us and inspire us. “DETACH” is a short film that strives to bring up the notion of separating oneself from the responsibilities that bind us. While we all have duties, whether professional, academic, personal etc. it is important to have the courage and the power within ourselves to be able to “DETACH.” To place ourselves in new situations. Situations from which we can learn and grow. When we do so, we free our minds and allow our hearts to dictate the outcomes we want to achieve.

LIVE YOUR DREAM

A new chapter in the story of ZULUECHO Lifestyle Initiative. This film not only taught me a tremendous amount about film production, but it taught me so much about people. About the power that we possess within us, to achieve what we want to achieve. There is no story of success that is not accompanied by a story of hard work. Often times we overlook that aspect of people that we deem successful. I’ve been truly blessed to be able to work with the people featured in this film, and wish each one of them the greatest possible journey forward.

COLORADO 

This is a recap video for my recent trip to Colorado. Climb your mountains in life, the view at the top is amazing. If you can, take a few friends with you. Special thanks to MAR1 for the soundtrack!

SOHO EDIT

This is my latest edit reel from a day in SoHo with Nick Jebaily. Havin’ some fun behind the lens. Some times I make videos that are not necessarily educational, or that do not carry any particular message. Rather, I use them as lessons for myself to find new ways to film, new edits to make, and to better my film-making skills. In addition, nobody can deny that SoHo is a beautiful backdrop for such an endeavor! Enjoy! (Turn your volume up for this one)

ZULUECHO NEW YEAR’S FILM

This film is a short montage of some preliminary footage I shot right before the beginning of 2018. You could say it was the first time I shot film for ZULUECHO Initiative, highlighting a few of the hoodies and learning how to shoot intimate shots.