Masks
(2021)
Synopsis
In a world where people express their personality through stylized masks, Jas struggles with his identity amidst a quarantine.
Credits
Samm Azen
Director, Producer
Statement:
Jas's journey is like that of a lobster. As lobsters grow, their protective shells becomes confining. They retreat to a protective place, shed their shells and grow new ones.
Although the source of Jas's isolation is largely internal, the external force of a universal quarantine intensifies Jas's isolation, forcing him to take a look at himself for the first time in years. He has grown far too large for his restrictive shell, and must cast it off. When it is all over, he still wears a mask, but its boundaries are expanded, and he is more comfortable.
This film couldn't come at a more relevant time. Although the message is universal, it couldn't be more potent as we all poke our heads out for the first time after a long quarantine and admire each other's new shells.
Richard Trejo
Director of Photography
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My goal is to provide a positive experience wherever I go, and to inject that positivity into everything I do. Since 2016, I have been able to provide that in my current industry — Entertainment.
In 2016 I started in the sound department: mixing for feature length films, shorts, Web Series, and commercials. Sound has been a big part of my life, since I was a kid. Whether it be watching Spielberg films or James Cameron, sound has been a major inspiration in my life.
Now, after being in the film industry for 5 years, I am working successfully as a Director of Photography, and able to now tackle both sides of spectrum: sound and visual.
Movies taught me everything I know and now I hope to pass on what I have to offer through the projects I’m involved with.
Writer, Producer, Editor
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Hi there, I’m Jordan! I’m an actor and dancer living in Los Angeles.
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I had the pleasure to work on this short film with an incredible team. The process was collaborative and inspirational, a lot of passion went into this story. Sometimes non-verbal communication can be just as or more effective than words. Can’t wait for you all to see what we created!
We all wear masks, even before 2020. We don social identities which help mediate the outside world with the inner. It can be suffocating when who we are is at odds with how we wish to present ourselves, and challenging still to get in touch with our own authentic identity. When we do, though, we shine.
With *Masks* I seek to explore the relationship we have with ourselves, and the arduous journey from passive denial to taking pride in our individuality.
Jake Frederick Olson
Composer
Cast
Danraj Rajasansi
Jasbir, Co-Writer
Duncan Kinzie
Jordan Omeish
Lucy
Statement:
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Since the age of 5, Jake has been playing any instrument he can get his hands on. After developing an intense love for playing music, he realized he can just make it himself! Originally from Washington D.C., Jake moved to Los Angeles after receiving a Bachelors degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music. His music can be heard all across the entertainment industry in numerous films, commercials, and podcasts.
Jake specializes in the creation of sonic worlds through musical and auditory stimulus. Vibrant yet thoughtful, Jake’s melodic style reflects his love for emotional expression through artistic means.
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Art in times of adversity and crisis can be a powerful force. Scoring this film helped me relate to many of our mutual pandemic struggles and I think it will do the same for audience members.
For almost every film, Dialogue is the most important auditory element. Masks is a rarity in that music became the most important part of the audio. For a composer like myself, a silent film like this was a dream come true.
Crew
Alleluia Tyus
Script Supervisor, Production Assistant
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In a time of disarray and social diffusion, pieces of art such as this are the understated tethers that keep humanity going. Having the privileged opportunity to work alongside minds cognizant of such intrinsic matters of society has not only bettered me as an artist but allowed me to grow as a human being; and all I did was script supervise. The atmosphere was kickass, inclusive, and extremely collaborative as we were met with an onslaught of unpredictable hiccups and serendipitous accomplishments, all bringing us closer as a team and undoubtedly adding to the sustenance of our work within the project. The experience was great; a space filled with hard working individuals focused on their roles and craft with only the benefit of the product in mind; a rarity. Even after the cold early mornings and long days, I can assuredly say every member left the project feeling better and more lighthearted than when they arrived. I hope you will find a heartfelt depth within this art piece, be it within the performance, writing, or jarringly shared realities of life that without a doubt were placed their to connect with something within us all. The poignant topic of “Masks” explores the very nature and relationship between vulnerability and its perpetual antagonist, fear of the unknown, and the promethean task given to all humans of taking those first steps into the unknown. I look forward to working with such forward and deep thinking creators once again."
Daniel Button
Key Grip, Gaffer, Assistant Camera
Emily Bradford
Makeup, Production Assistant
Post Production
Kevin Gamble
Sound Designer
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I am a sound designer with a decade of experience in films, commercials, animation, tech, and new media. Sound is a story. I approach sound design as a constructive process that elevates the visual content that creates an immersive experience, and completes the whole.
Whether it is providing narrative clarity, honing in the emotion of a scene, or injecting primal fear through your bones, my goal is crafting sound that tells your story better.
I have a long time passion for self-learning, crafting sonic experiences, and creative discovery, and received a formal education at the notable Berklee College of Music, and the Institute of Production & Recording.
Kabir Suri
Colorist
Extras
Malek Yachoueh
Grace Bosley
Preston Everwood
Carl Jackson
Silas Tai
Jenny Puranen
Deborah Bane
Special Thanks
E.Z. Stop Liquor
FilmLA
Los Angeles Park Film Office
Rio de Los Angeles State Park
Recognition for Masks
Masks wins Best Experimental Short at the Oregon Short Film Festival Fall 2021