Welcome Riders!
In the play between imagination and reality, our film transports its audience through multiple dream worlds, genres and artistic mediums to explore how we can approach life’s uncertainties with trust and surrender regardless of the trials and tribulations we may face in our human experience. We will share in an adventurous, intimate and introspective exploration of what it feels like and means to be human. We will travel through a poetic drama underwater, a comedic zombie-based comic, a psychological thriller and an animated storybook, guaranteeing an exciting, bumpy adventure quite like life itself. We gladly serve to steer the train, conducting through both joy and pain, guiding you as if we were the instructor.
Welcome Aboard,
Returning Home Cast and Crew
An In-Depth Glance of ‘Returning Home’
Behind-The-Scenes: The Process
Storyboard from our shoot
of Apollonia and her dreamworld in a storybook
The Inspiration
Through a creative process under The Human Arts Collective’s (THAC) “My Story, My Voice Cohort,” six artists from across the country were virtually brought together to excavate stories from their life that held great meaning and importance for them. Unpacking these stories in the safe space we provided, allowed the ensemble to discover a narrative thread and unity in confronting struggles of feeling unheard, the need for self-love, self-actualization and the common theme of escapism within their youth. We were inspired to develop a brand new story that weaved together our unique experiences to form a collective experience that can inspire and prompt others to trust in life’s unfurling.
Screenshot of “The Conductor” while directing
the film virtually on zoom
The Process
The ensemble was asked how they wanted to express themselves, how they wanted to emerge out of their comfort zone and ultimately what they wanted to create together. The result was a short film that pieced together their stories and the unique gifts and talents of each creative-maker. Design, color, symbolism, emotion and object metaphor weaved together to form a storyline, script and world that we could eventually share with the public. Imagination, play and vulnerability were encouraged throughout every stage of the process making room for all voices to be heard and seen, as well as the many art forms you will experience throughout our film.
Screenshot of the cast in our virtual celebration
of our film’s completion
The Impact
Out of this creative portal, emerged a ton of play, experimentation, growth and transformation. Returning Home is a coming of age film designed to evoke inner-discovery at all ages. Tying in the voices of each artist and their individual experience allows for meaningful takeaways that can’t be limited to the coming list as each viewer is invited to make connections between the material and their own life. Some takeaways include: mental health awareness, self-acceptance and the power of creative expression to heal. We hope this film will inspire people to tap into their creativity, lead with curiosity and trust in their expression as they explore their own identities and discover their own voice and community.
Meet Your Riders: The Creative Ensemble
By clicking on each stop underneath the pictures, you will be greeted with media, descriptions and videos from the process.
Meet Your Artistic Engine: Crew
Jamie Lazan – Director, Writer, Producer
Taylor Natkin – Technical Director, Video Editor, Visual Artist (See Below)
Marisa Jo Zakes – Technical Director, Video Editor
Maria Uribe – Production Assistant
Adriel Limas – Film Composer
Ámbar Avilés – Sound Designer
