The Stories That Made Me Want to
Become a Storyteller
Stories that have shaped my voice as a filmmaker and continue to inspire the kinds of projects I create. A mix of heartfelt, sometimes humorous, character-driven stories that offer insight into relationships, life, and the choices that shape who we are.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Dir. Gus Van Sant
The first time I watched Good Will Hunting, it just clicked. It was the first time I watched a film and felt completely understood, and in that moment I knew I wanted to make stories that could move people in the same way. Its mix of raw honesty, playful banter, and Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance showed me the power of character-driven storytelling and sparked my love for nuanced, emotionally honest stories.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Dir. Rob Reiner
A classic rom-com and one of my favorite comfort films. I love its balance of witty humor, quirky charm, and the warmth it brings to the screen. Between the smart, heartfelt writing, relatable characters, and the playful interview storytelling structure, it’s a film I find myself returning to again and again.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Dir. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
A film that captures the messy, complicated nature of relationships while maintaining a lighthearted tone. Its ensemble of interconnected characters comes together in ways that feel perfectly timed, showing how comedy and drama can coexist naturally and purposefully—a balance that continues to inspire the kinds of character-driven dramedies I aim to tell.
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
Dir.Ken Kwapis
A playful yet thought-provoking take on modern dating, the film explores the messy realities of relationships with wit and heart. Through its clever vignettes and fourth-wall moments, it delivers lessons about knowing your worth, recognizing when someone isn’t putting in the effort, and not making excuses for poor behavior. It manages to deliver a real, layered message about self-worth in a way that’s approachable and relatable without feeling heavy-handed.
Ted Lasso (2020)
Created by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly
A masterclass in optimism with depth, Ted Lasso explores what it means to navigate life with curiosity, kindness, and a genuine desire to see the best in people. The show expertly peels back the layers of a seemingly happy character, offering a thoughtful and compassionate depiction of mental health while showing how choosing kindness and positivity can shape your experience and outlook, and inspire those around you to grow and show up as their best selves.
Scenes From a Marriage (2021)
Created by Hagai Levi
A raw and intimate exploration of love and long-term relationships, Scenes From a Marriage draws you in with its honesty, complexity, and emotional intensity. It exposes the cracks, patterns, and vulnerabilities of each character while keeping the love between them at the forefront. Messy, bittersweet, and unflinchingly real, it captivates by showing how the choices we make, and the cycles we repeat, shape both ourselves and the people we love.
