We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paul Bestolarides a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paul , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The cinematic medium serves as a beacon of creativity, a window into the depths of human existence. In an industry defined by constant evolution, truly impactful stories remain rare, yet they possess the power to shift perspectives in profound ways. As a storyteller, my mission is to blend entertainment with art-house cinema, igniting transformation and encouraging bold, unconventional viewpoints. By exploring the multifaceted nature of perspective, we strive to enlighten and inspire our audience.

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.

My interest in filmmaking emerged from curiosity at a young age. Motion pictures and their illusions captivated the mind as this world was built upon ideas. However, it was not until I grew older and began questioning the world around me that I felt inspired to take meaningful steps forward in searching for truth.

Without access to a digital camera, I gravitated toward film photography and writing —a medium that taught me to ‘see life in interesting ways.’ I recognized that imagination is less about narrating events and more about evoking feelings. This process uncovers a sense of synchronicity, bringing to light connections between moments that might otherwise seem unrelated. It sparks wonder and highlights the deep relationship between creativity and the hidden patterns woven into life.

Today, my production work spans a wide range of creative roles: director, writer, producer, editor, and beyond. Clients seek me out for my multifaceted approach, which sets me apart in a field that demands versatility. I recognize that collaboration is essential and am committed to shaping each project’s vision alongside the cast and crew to achieve high-quality outcomes while nurturing creativity.

I am also a part-time college professor and teach in both the film and Humanities departments. When I am not teaching or working on set, I enjoy international travel, which broadens my perspective and deepens my understanding through diverse cultural experiences.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The greatest personal reward has been the confidence gained from turning discipline into shared creative expression by successfully bringing large-scale projects to completion. There is a funny saying in the industry, “there is never enough time and never enough money.” Experience shows that the most inspired creative decisions often arise from necessity, not excess. If you strip down what matters most, the truth of one’s vision shines brightest. In this regard, the ability to focus and prioritize tasks effectively has been essential for our team in turning ideas into reality.

Our recent feature-length film follows Audrey, a young nurse grappling with guilt over the death of a patient. Seeking a fresh start, she leaves the hospital to become a private-duty nurse. Her new assignment is to care for Leah, a former movie star struggling with illness. Together, the two women spiral into a dangerous collision of past and present, with unpredictable consequences. Below is a sneak preview of the masks made for our movie courtesy of Immortal Masks SFX.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Many do not realize the true trials of filmmaking—it’s a journey through the storm, driven by 1% imagination and 99% perspiration. While evolving technology may help navigate the complexities of this storm, it can point the way but cannot feel the wind. As an educator, I continue to inspire those who seek creative growth. As I tell my students: Life is not a grade; opportunity is an image you bring into focus.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://imdb.me/pauldbestolarides
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_bestolarides/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bestolarides/