Seldom do I get the opportunity to help spotlight a local project that appeals to me. I found that opportunity several years ago as Cinder Chou, a long time production coordinator and assistant on a number of projects before segueing to directing short films, began envisioning her feature directorial debut.
That outlook was eventually realised with the completion of her independently-produced romantic action comedy, Artist Unknown. The film, in part, is also the result of cautious planning and execution for a small-scale production long since the Covid-19 pandemic set in. Alas, having survived the pandemic, Chou’s work is gradually paying off as she now looks toward more festival screenings in the year to come.
Artist Unknown also marks the latest foray for actress Kerry Lacy, whose background in martial arts has aptly allowed her to showcase her skills in Stacey Maltin’s prospective 2017 shortfilm thriller, Viola, as well as Don Downie’s sequel, both which ultimately landed on Chou’s radar during pre-production. Joined by a cast that also lists Sonia Mena (Hulu’s “Tell Me Lies”) and actors Sam Jaikaran, Daryl Lathon and Walker Hare, the film also needed the crucial input of Francesca Morabito, who appears in the film, in addition to serving as fight choreographer.
The film stood proudly for its recent successes at the 13th annual Art Of Brooklyn Film Festival, winning the Jury Award, as well as for Lacy for Outstanding Performance In A Feature. Chou goes into a bit more detail on this,
A Word With ARTIST UNKNOWN Writer/Director Cinder Chou
Interview By: LEE B. GOLDEN III
