Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matthew Michael Ross. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Matthew Michael , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’ve just finished producer and directing a feature film, “INVISIBLE.” I wrote the film based on real characters from my life and an unfortunate tragic story. During Covid, I lost a dear friend to drugs and alcohol. He disappeared, and when I went to find him, I learned he had become homeless and addicted to meth. I experienced severe guilt and shame, thinking maybe there was something I could’ve done to save him. Dealing with my pain, I had to write this film. The aim was to raise awareness and foster empathy for those living with invisible diseases and illnesses, not just CRPS, but depression, addiction, and homelessness.”

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.

I’m a passionate filmmaker who loves telling stories. I’m known for my Cannes nominated short, “FOOD FOR THOUGHT” and my indie feature, “DESPERATION HIGHWAY.” My work often explores themes of individual pain, and “INVISIBLE” marks my most personal project to date, inspired by my own experiences with an invisible disease. You see, I suffer from CMT, a neurological disease affecting my hands, feet, balance, etc. People judge others by what they see, but underneath, there may be something you can’t see, and that’s the real person. Be tolerant and have empathy. Everyone seems to know someone who’s going through something that they don’t understand. Something that may be invisible.

I channeled my experiences into the story while basing the CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) character Heather on a close friend who had planned to produce the film with me until she fell ill. This personal connection gives the film an authenticity and depth that will resonate deeply with audiences.

As a film director and producer, I am proud of the way I handle my sets, allowing creativity to flow, creating a team atmosphere, and challenging those around me to do their best work. Above all, I want my work to be honest.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

It is hard to explain to someone the burning desire deep down in your stomach to create something and then want to share it with the world. You feel like there’s nothing else you can do and when you can’t afford to do it because of finances, it is heartbreaking. I teach everything from acting, writing, to filmmaking, but I don’t want to make a living from it because I don’t want to charge those who can’t afford it. I’d teach for free if I could do my creative work and not always have to think about raising money for the film budget, or the post production budget, or for the film festival fees, or the publicity costs, etc. Being a creative is always being susceptible to rejection. It’s sometimes two steps forward and three steps back. And if you’re not a creative, you may think we’re being soft, or wishy, or weak when we get rejected. I’m not saying anyone should do this, but it’s like putting your newborn into a beauty contest and being told it’s not cute. Creativity needs support from the community.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I just want to share my voice, and if possible, be heard. I think my ideas are universal and possibly helpful to many people out there. What drives me is that I never run out of creative ideas, even when the last one wasn’t successful. Perseverance is the only way to keep creating. Stay on that journey and there’s always a chance. Leave it and the dream is over.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aonfilms.com
• Instagram: matthew_ross_aon

Image Credits

Kiko Sweeney
Camille Fadi