I believe that film is the most democratic of all art forms. It transcends physical boundaries and cultural borders by using the simplest and most universal language: images and sound.

 

At the same time as it is possible to reach millions, even billions, of people around the world with a click of a button, it has become increasingly difficult for independent and unique voices to be heard, seen, or felt. This has had a catastrophic effect on societies worldwide.

 

News media has been diminished to opinions and propaganda. Newspapers and magazines have been shuttered or reduced to a skeleton of their former selves, silencing journalists. Literature was neutered decades ago. Now they want to do this to film. Meaningless Hollywood movies dominate the world. Films designed for the intelligence of a child are the dominant entertainment for adults. A world of endless distraction to keep people from thinking, feeling, and emoting. I refuse to go along.

 

I believe "We need art more than ever. We need artists who can create fictional truths that are more powerful than truth itself. Because no one accepts truth anymore. There is always one side or another claiming their version of it. But art cannot be denied. That is why it is art. That is why it is more powerful than truth. Because art forces us to see the humanity inside each and every one of us."

 

The above is taken from a character in my upcoming film, Midnight Movie in Manhattan. The character is slowly growing mad. He soon finds himself in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. But don't worry, the film is not a didactic drama. It's a black comedy. Because with all the horrors in the world we need comedy more than ever. We need to be able to laugh at ourselves, especially when we give ourselves the illusion we are saying something deep or profound.

 

My title, Never Silent, was stolen from Samuel Beckett, the most influential and important writer in the 20th century.

 

"The fact would seem to be, if in my situation one may speak of facts, not only that I shall have to speak of things of which I cannot speak, but also, which is even more interesting, but also that I, which is if possible even more interesting, that I shall have to, I forget, no matter. And at the same time I am obliged to speak. I shall never be silent. Never."  ― Samuel Beckett, The Unnamable