Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Parnitudom.

Hi Art, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The first moment I decided that film could be something that I’d pursue the rest of my life was in the small navy-walled bedroom of my childhood home. It was 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand. I was laying on my stomach with my legs kicked up. An old and thick CRT television in front of me, its lights flashed as I was absorbed to the sight & sound before me. The film was The Dark Knight (2008) – I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, to be quite honest.

Looking back, it doesn’t feel as cool as I’d hope. I often hear of more alluring origin stories. But for the first time in my life, watching this film, I felt like I could forget all my problems and momentarily escape. For a short moment in time, I was lifted from my own body, my own thoughts, and my own fears into a completely different world where anything felt possible. I didn’t realise someone could stir such conflicting emotions in me from a flurry of sight & sound. I thought to myself ‘This is what feeling alive must feel like’ – I yearned to be able to do the same for others.

This short moment became the threshold that would forever change my life and launch me into chasing cinematic expression. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and later acquired my Master of Fine Arts in Film at the prestigious New York University under scholarship.

Through this journey I realised something. I didn’t want to make beautiful films, I just wanted to make people feel a little less alone. If my films were able to make at least one person feel less alone, no matter how fleeting the moment, that would be worthwhile goal – like a gentle hug on a rainy Sunday evening.

Now, I’ve spent over a decade of my life on filmmaking as a cinematographer. I feel very fortunate to have worked across the world and have my work selected and premiered at major film festivals worldwide: New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Boston, Beijing, Rhode Island, Provincetown, Bangkok, and more.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One thing I’ve learned through almost 3 decades of living is that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. The top of one mountain is the foot of another, but in the climb is where we learn about ourselves so we might as well enjoy the process. Filmmaking is exactly that, tenfold. When we come to sit down, watch, and experience a film it feels so simple. It takes a village to raise a child, and film, I believe is no different.

It’s taken me a lot of trial and error to develop my signature, if you can call it that. I believe in films that can stir reflection, incite meaningful emotions, and sweep you away. Through the numerous mistakes and risks, we are here now and I believe my work can stand on its own feet. The merit is to be decided by the viewer.

I feel very fortunate to have the trust of many talented collaborators. Without this belief, the authentic evolution of my work would not be possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In the simplest terms, I am a narrative cinematographer. Although I frequently shoot other types of works too (commercials, music videos, or fashion films) I believe the narrative approach is best towards telling an emotionally-impactful story and have applied that approach to all manners of moving image.

If I had to describe what my signature or what my work is known for, it would be the style; the easiest way to think of it would be
‘heightened-naturalism’. The visuals feel natural, organic, and relatable but with an added touch of elevation that brings an almost nostalgic quality. There is a sentimentality in how my brain works, and I’d like to believe it comes through my work and the visuals born out of me.

There are numerous projects I feel proud of but ironically, the projects that have brought me the most fulfilment and success are ones made under limitation. Louder Than Words (2017), a short film directed by Julio Dowansingh is a prime example. Despite having a limited budget, we were able to make a film that resonated so deeply with audiences worldwide, playing at major film festivals around the world (Tokyo, New York, Berlin) and amassing almost 3 million views on YT. It’s currently being developed into a feature film.

There are a plethora of talented cinematographers out there, especially in new york city. But, in the past few years I’ve come to realise the most important thing to me isn’t a pretty picture but the ability to stir emotions in the viewers of my work.

The 5 years I spent honing my craft at New York University’s prestigious Masters of Fine Arts program, particularly under a program focused towards writing & directing, I believe sets me apart. Having a deep understanding of not only story, but the flow of narrative, the structure of actions, and tone has really allowed my work to reach the next level visually and create meaningful films.

Now, that has even led me to write/direct my own feature film, and shoot another for a major streamer in Bangkok, Thailand.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The truth is I’d rather not know how lucky (or unlucky) I am in life. I believe in the immutable power of self-belief and hard work. With that, opportunity follows. Maybe all those things combine into what some would call luck.

I prefer determinism.

Pricing:

• contact [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prntdm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prntdm/
• Linkedin: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6520008/
• SoundCloud: https://mubi.com/en/cast/art-parnitudom
• Other: https://vimeo.com/prntdm