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

Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My newest project titled Toothpaste is a short film I directed, produced, and wrote. The story follows Mateo, a young adult looking to escape the fears of adulthoods with traveling. During his trip around the states, he visits a famous painting that everyone around him seems to adore. Frustrated with his disconnect from it, he feels defeated and anxious to return home until creativity sparks him while he brushes his teeth…With this short, I wanted to focus on my own fears as I fully submerge myself into adulthood and embrace building myself into the person I want to be. This seems to be a universal feeling for many people my age I know even though it can feel so lonely. The process of crafting this story is special to me for many reasons. For one, the character Mateo used to be a visually non descriptive ‘man’ which my then professors were confused by. In my art, I make it a point to cast POC. The ‘man’ character did not need to be casted to a specific race, but I knew whatever race to which he was casted would affect the character. Erik Hernandez, who is Mexican, ended up being my Mateo. I had zoom calls with him and Mateo’s mama character to talk language, behavior, and anything else that would affect the character. Mexican culture is not my own, so I wanted to make sure representing it correctly was a collaboration with those who have true perspective. So much energy, love, and effort was put into Toothpaste from my cast and crew and I am incredibly proud of myself and everyone! Watch Toothpaste now on taratwal.com!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a professional filmmaker based in Detroit, MI. I have been working in the film industry for two years officially (as I write this!). I have two short films I wrote, produced, and directed- Toothpaste (2023) and Hush Now(2022). While the films carry different tones, they both hold such strong parts of me-my Jordanian culture, biggest fears, and overall how I view the world around me! My personal projects I make for myself to process and appreciate the parts of my life I want to express. I find the more specific and personal I craft my work, the more connections it makes with an audience which is an immensely gratifying feeling. While I continue directing my own stories, I work on as many sets as I can be on. My end goal is to be a director, so any experience I get in any department helps me achieve that. I have been working as an audio utility, assistant cinematographer, and most excitingly an assistant director! I can’t wait to continue telling my own stories and be a part of others.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think there is confusion as to why people are professional artists. People may seem to understand that I love films and want to be a director, but oftentimes, people ask me what I ACTUALLY want to do. To me, this question is disrespectful as it dismisses the arts as a career and all the hard work I have contributed to it. One thing I think people should consider is that I am self aware my life would be easier if I wanted a ‘standard’ 9-5 office job. I know too I am working in an industry that is harsh at times. To work in the film industry means you really love the art of filmmaking, to me at least. Ever since I was a child, I knew I needed to be an artist. If I did not go to school for filmmaking, I most likely would have not gone to school at all. I know with great certainty that if I was not investing all my time into being an artist (with my career and personal time) I would not feel satisfied with myself. Being a professional artist never felt like a question for me. It was always the path I knew I’d chose!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It is a bit funny because while I am only 23 years old and still feel young on sets, I have been meeting a new wave of younger artists working from 19-22 years old. I almost feel I am watching my past self being a newbie on set- full of exciment to learn and work. They are so fun to be working with as they’re giving me a new perspective of how to function on set. I felt very excited when a young assistant cinematographer I met a few weeks ago came up to me and told me that it was her first professional set. She asked me so many questions and wanted to get to know me more. It felt like a full circle moment to have someone younger than me look up to as somewhat of an inspiration. While I was helping her, it made me realize how much I actually know and how far I’ve come. For awhile on sets, I often felt overlooked, but tried to not let it affect my ambitions. With this moment, and recent productions, I felt all my hard work is and appreciated. I love to help those on set who might need some advice, as I know how much people have helped me and continue to do so! Making those connections, and being able to create impactful art with so many amazing souls has been so rewarding to me!      

Contact Info:

• Website: taratwal.com
• Instagram: @tara.t.art