Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Artima Sakulkoo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Artima, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
My best investment in life as an artist so far was getting my master’s degree. I graduated from CCNY with an MFA in film. I first joined this program to keep my visa status as an international student, but what I didn’t expect was the experience and the knowledge I gained these past two years.
My thesis film, “It Happened In August,” is about Aim, a Thai immigrant who moved back to NYC after her mother passed away. She is surprised when her ex-girlfriend, Sandra, shows up, hoping to rekindle their lovely old days in a late evening in August. This film is a personal story. I lost my mother during the time I found my queerness. I never felt comfortable with my body and sexuality as I feel now.
Coming back to an educational environment was difficult for me financially. I wanted to leave film school not in debt but with connections and opportunities. I was blessed enough to have the best cohort and professors. They made me feel seen and comfortable. And because they inspired and pushed me, I could bring “It Happened In August” to life. Directing and acting in my film was the most challenging task ever. I poured my heart, soul, time, AND money into the project. The film is currently on film festival run. I had people reach out to me for work opportunities. I have never been in a happier place than now. Thank you to CCNY for this experience.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Artima Sakulkoo is a filmmaker and actor from Bangkok, Thailand.
In 2016, Artima pursued her education in the States. She attended Lindenwood University and received a BFA in Digital Cinema Arts. Her short films, The Introvert (2018) and EXTROVERSION (2019) have won multiple awards, including CINEMA ARTS CAPSTONES: BEST FILM & BEST DIRECTOR.
From 2020 to 2022, Artima returned to Bangkok and worked as an assistant director for a commercial agency.
In the fall of 2022, she moved back to New York for her MFA in Film at The City College of New York. Her next film is titled It Happened In August (2024).
As a filmmaker, Artima wants to show her true identity by bringing more Thai immigrant and queer stories on screen.
How did you build your audience on social media?
As another storyteller, I connect with my audience through social media. I started making videos on YouTube after graduating from my BFA in 2019. Flash forward to 2024; I am creating reels on TikTok and Instagram. The key to building a solid social is being the most true self-authentic. My content is mostly about my interests, such as filmmaking, acting, photography, immigrant and queer stories, and travels. I discovered that my audience enjoys watching me grow as an artist, so I’m confident in documenting my journey and process of getting where I want to be. All the success and failure stories are part of you!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating your art and passing it on to the next. It could be big or small; it doesn’t matter if it represents something meaningful to you. And you get to share it with a group of people with the same interests. I have screened my films a couple of times in the public now. The feeling when my audience comes up to me and tells me how my film impacts them is the most rewarding experience I would love to relive over and over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artimasakulkoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollartima
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollartima/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artimasakulkoo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dollartima
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dollartima
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dollartima https://vimeo.com/dollartima
Image Credits
Principal photographer: Pratya Jankong Photographer: Chris Lesso
