We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicholas Pallos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicholas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My goal as a filmmaker is to to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, creating films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and shift perspective. I aim to highlight the transformative powers of love, humor, and beauty. My artistic mission is found in the exploration of resilience and the possibility of finding light even in the darkest depths of the human experience.
As a second-generation Holocaust survivor, I am eager to share stories that acknowledge the ache of life’s struggles while celebrating the blissful splendor that can be found through connection and belonging. My films seek to touch hearts, provoke thought, and remind us of the power of connection in a world that is increasingly isolating and contentious. My background has significantly shaped my narrative sensibilities, allowing me to transform painful emotions into artistic beauty. My films are imbued with a unique blend of historical consciousness and contemporary relevance, turning personal and collective trauma into poignant, visually stunning stories. I intend to inspire, and remind audiences of the enduring magic of connection in a world often marked by isolation and division.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an award-winning filmmaker and a produced screenwriter known for my visually stunning, heartfelt, and transformative storytelling. With a career spanning multiple genres and formats, I have established myself as a visionary director and wordsmith, captivating audiences with my emotional depth and visual artistry.
Born and raised in Detroit, I grew up in a family where my father’s side were Holocaust survivors, instilling a profound awareness of history’s shadows and the enduring impact of trauma on the human spirit. This background has shaped my narrative sensibilities, allowing me to dive deeply into the power of transformation and transmutation.
My journey into the world of filmmaking began at a young age, driven by a passion for storytelling. I pursued formal education in screenwriting and filmmaking at Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and the Detroit Filmmakers Coalition. These academic experiences provided a solid foundation for my craft and fueled my ambition to create meaningful cinema. After graduating, I immersed myself in the Los Angeles film industry, working in various capacities on both independent and studio productions.
I am best known for my acclaimed short film, Neither Here Nor There – The Waiting Room, a poignant exploration of existential themes that garnered critical praise and won a prestigious award at the Honolulu International Film Festival. My documentary, Firewood, is a meditation on art and the shamanic path. My feature film, Shadowplay, further solidified my reputation, blending intricate narrative structures with compelling character studies to create a mesmerizing cinematic experience.
A Couple of Secrets, my latest project, is a testament to my growth as a filmmaker. Drawing inspiration from my own experiences and the stories of those around me, the feature film is a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the transformative power of human connection. Collaborating with a stellar team of industry veterans, including costume designer Mona May, production designer Cristobal Valecillos, and cinematographer Andrés Garzas, I have crafted a visually stunning film that balances fairytale elements with deep emotional tone.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, I continue to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, creating films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and shift perspective. With A Couple of Secrets, I aim to touch people’s hearts, inspire, and remind audiences of the enduring magic of connection and transformation.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My current feature film project, A Couple Of Secrets, has been a lesson in patience and resilience. For years, the project moved at a snail’s pace, lacking the necessary budget and team to reach production. There were many opportunities to throw in the towel and abandon it. But every time a door closed, another would open, inspiring me to strengthen my belief in the film and continue shepherding it forward. Eventually, years of pushing the project at meetings and networking events paid off.
The film gained significant traction when it was selected for Film Independent’s fiscal sponsorship program. This endorsement not only provided crucial financial and logistical support but also validated the project’s artistic vision and potential impact. This selection opened doors to additional resources and led to the support of our Executive Producer. He read the script and believed in the project right away. He trusted me and my vision with his incredible investment, and we were off and running.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to utilize creativity to offer an audience a novel perspective. As a filmmaker, my greatest gift is having a strong, detailed, and unique vision. This allows me to take my audience on a journey they have never been on before. It allows me to present new ideas, and transmit them in a uniquely stylized way through the medium of film.
Most people want to have a profound experience when watching a film. I have every intention of fulfilling that expectation, in the most creative and unexpected ways. I view the medium of filmmaking as an alchemy of sorts – transmuting narrative ideas into something that will truly transport an audience to an unexpected and extraordinary place.
Hearing from people who have watched my films is always a wonderful experience. I’m invigorated by people who have shared stories of being moved to tears, and others who felt inspired to trust, think differently about a complicated topic, or take a chance on love. These are the greatest rewards for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicholaspallos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nic.palace/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-pallos77/
Image Credits
Photos by Kat Gardiner