Today we’d like to introduce you to Attila Korosi, Director of the feature film Maze of Fate.
Attila, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
“When I told people I wanted to go to America and make the greatest movies, they reacted as if I said I wanted to be an astronaut and go to Mars.” It’s impossible, they assured me.
I was born in Yugoslavia, which before the war was a very prosperous country. I was lucky because my dad was really into visual arts. At one point, he ran a VHS rental company, and as a result, I was exposed to tremendous amounts of movie watching. As a kid, I was consuming a variety of movies ranging from Akira Kurosawa and Luis Bunuel classics to Aliens and Ghostbusters. Obviously, at that age, I couldn’t understand much of what I was watching, but all the colors and feelings were absorbed deep into my subconsciousness. The first five years of my life were smooth, but then a great and long-lasting war struck my country.
Growing up in a war is not as bad as you may think. At least for a kid. The schools are closed, people are nicer, and your imagination runs wild. However, for adults, life can be harsh, and “dreaming” doesn’t come easy. By the time I was in my teens, I was so influenced by movies that one day I told my parents I will be making the greatest movies of all time. Their answer was not only discouraging, but it also made me realize one important thing, if I really want to pursue my dream, I must find a way to come to the United States of America. A place where people still believe in dreams.
But how could I get to the United States? My family had no money, we didn’t have any relatives in the States and to make things worse, the people of my country burned down the U.S. Embassy. When I learned U.S. universities were offering full athletic scholarships for prospective students, I understood to become a filmmaker; I would have to become an athlete first. Running was the cheapest and the most feasible thing to do. For the next 12 months, I went through an emotional roller coaster where I lost my mother; I tore my ligaments, and yet, I became a fast enough runner to earn a full scholarship. I came to the United States without knowing anyone and without speaking English.
To learn the business side of filmmaking, I earned my bachelors in accounting and right after graduation, I set out to Los Angeles. I came here to make a movie, but how? I’ve never made one before and as soon as I suggested “let’s make a movie,” everyone seemed to agree on one thing — it’s impossible. Some people even went as far as stating that making a movie is one of the hardest and toughest things to do and I shouldn’t even bother.
When I set out to execute my movie, I wanted to accomplish a visual experience that could rival multi-million dollar productions. I entrusted my creativity and life experiences to fill in the gaps where non-existing resources couldn’t. My dedication was such that I spent weeks with a family in a gang-heavy area — capturing the reality of their everyday lives.
Growing up in a war-torn country, you learn how to express yourself and how to communicate with your energy. This kind of communication is universal and transcend the barriers of language and culture. It’s pure, and people respond to it. It’s funny to think that I came to LA without knowing anyone, and by the time I finished this project, I came to have over 200 people who contributed to it. My live-action feature project is titled Maze of Fate, and it will be completed summer of 2019.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey is far from smooth, but every aspect of it has been super enlightening. I feel like a samurai in the 1600s Japan in search of self-awareness and self-expression. It’s a tremendous journey where every failure helps to fill a missing link and polishes me into a more complete human being.
For example, I was growing up in a war, and early on, I learned that in life, everything is about perspective. If war was given to me, I’m not going to turn it into an excuse; instead, I’m going to make the best out of it. At the end of the day, the choices are always ours to make. (my movie, Maze of Fate touches on this “decision making” topic).
Later on, in my running years, when I tore my ligaments two weeks before my biggest race (a decisive race whether I’m gonna earn a full scholarship or not), the doctor inspected my ankle and concluded that if I can walk within two months, I should consider myself lucky. Again, life is about perspectives. I went home that night, not believing a word the doctor said, I elevated my foot and started talking to my ankle. 2 weeks later I ran the race, and I ran a personal record.
Several years ago in LA, everybody laughed when I said I want to make a top-notch movie. Not just a movie but a movie that would earn serious respect and command attention. I’m very proud to say that the project is not finished yet, but it already has garnered the attention of the biggest talent agencies as well as of several medium-sized distribution companies.
Another major struggle is how to support yourself, how to pay the bills while maintaining creative freshens. For example, I have a degree in accounting. With such a degree, it is not hard to find a job. However, if I work 50 to 70 hours in the office, doing serious work, it doesn’t matter how hard I try, my energy would be used up and finally when I have some time to focus on my dreams, the energy that is left over would only allow for marginal efforts.
As long as you remain true to your path, you’ll notice that all the struggles and failures will eventually become your allies. The obstacles you face in time you’ll conquer. The experiences you gain during your journey is what will ultimately differentiate you from everyone else. There are no shortcuts, no lucky breaks; everything unearned vanishes quickly — however, this way, the journey tends to be longer.
Alright – so let’s talk about your work – what should we know?
I am the director, writer, and producer of the feature film, Maze of Fate. Maze of Fate is a crime drama that was filmed in one of America’s most dangerous neighborhood.
The journey, the life experiences, and the life-risking events that poured into this project is what differentiates it from everything else.
I’m always motivated to explore stories and concepts that I don’t fully understand. For instance, at its core, the story of Maze of Fate challenges the concept of destiny – does destiny really exists? For me, these kind of debatable topics are what make the story appealing and fresh.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have collaborators from all over the world, a truly diverse and talented group of people that I’m blessed to call friends.
Ishaan Bahri of India.
The first person who really believed in me and selflessly supported the journey is my dear friend, business partner, and co-producer Ishaan Bahri. Ishaan and I have similar mindsets, and we connected well and have been together on this journey.
Itai Levin of Israel. Itai was one of my first friends I made in LA. He is a professional editor with a sharp creative eye. I learned a great deal from him, and we have been working together ever since.
Humphrey Oloo of Kenya – I met him in the gym eight years ago, and he is always there to help in any way possible.
Jerrod Landress of the United States. He was my top competitor during the college/track years. He is now a VP of a successful company, and he is also the Executive Producer of my film.
My sister, Anita Korosi, a co-Executive Producer. She had a big part in keeping the project well and alive. She’s the flower and the sword of Maze of Fate.
Gareth Taylor, half American half Swiss. He’s the cinematographer with whom I formed a great working and personal relationship. His camerawork and the depths of his visual understanding makes our collaboration a smooth sailing even against strong winds.
Cece Wen of China. She’s the composer and was working tirelessly to assemble something pure and magical.
Angelina Faulkner of the United States. Angie has worked as a sound editor on most of the blockbuster trailers that you could think of. I call her last minute, and she always delivers more than I ask for. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate Angie on her Emmy nomination.
Seth Tonk of the United States. Seth is the colorist. I am greatly appreciative of his collaboration and “coloring” ability. When people watch the rough cut, they assume the coloring was done by the famous coloring studio Company 3.
Chris Potter of the United States. Chris will compose the music for the short animation while his media company helps brainstorming and supplying with promotional materials.
Mio Yamanaka of Japan. Mio is a master graduate of the most prestigious “animation” program in Japan. At this very moment, she is working on a short animation that will become an essential part of the movie. The animation is the last piece missing before we have a ready film.
With all the mentioned people, our collaboration goes beyond than just a working relationship. Each individual put tremendous energy and will into the project. This collective effort is what makes Maze of Fate so special.
There are many more people who deserve credit and who directly or indirectly helped me accomplish my feature film.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mazeoffate.com
- Phone: 310-905-0270
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLl1Rk3eL42XjiG_tp4dYLA
- E-mail: [email protected]
Image Credit:
@ChrisPotterPhotos
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