Today we’d like to introduce you to Bejo Dohmen and Esmeree Sterling.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Bejo: I started out as an actor in Germany from 2007-2018 for multiple tv shows and movies. Before I worked as an actor, I studied filmmaking, editing, camera, etc…
With that experience, I wrote, produced, filmed, directed and acted in my own productions.
In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles to start my international career.
Esmeree: I think as children we all start out as storytellers and for me, I continued to align with that path in the form of acting, writing, directing, and creating on stage. I loved the theater. I went to New York City for a while and considered a career as a stage actor and singer (I sing professionally), but realized after experiencing the lifestyle as a starving artist, I decided to return to college with a focus on acting and moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles. During that time, I discovered my passion again for writing and teamed up with Bejo to create an amazing production company that focuses on telling authentic, character-driven stories with a conservative budget. That‘s when Minimal Films was born.
Within five short months, we produced, wrote, directed, and acted in three short films that are currently running in the film festival circuit, with the most recent, Way To Go. We continue to receive increasingly positive feedback, which has led us to move forward with the creation of Minimal Film’s first full-length feature film.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Bejo: Let’s say Yes and No.
YES, because acting and filmmaking is my life, and I enjoy it so much that it makes me the happiest and most fulfilled.
NO, because this job teaches a lot about how to deal with failure, no’s, critics, etc… But I am super grateful for it because without them, I could’ve not grown. I am also happy that my journey was not always smooth and easy because I know how to get up after I fail! I learned to never give up.
Esmeree: It‘s all about perspective, isn‘t it? Is it weird to say perceived obstacles/struggles can actually be the unexpected miracles that propel you in the direction of everything you ever wanted? What a concept! I try my best to take each moment, situation, and circumstance with the notion that the Universe is working in my favor. Embracing all the moments, good, bad, ugly, allows myself to stay present and ask myself, Okay, I don‘t like this part, but what is it showing/teaching me? How is this happening for me v.s. against me? What‘s the bigger picture? Asking questions allows me to always find the answer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Esmeree: Apart from Minimal Films, I enjoy producing, directing, writing, and collaborating with creatives that have the ability to think outside of the box. I get particularly excited about projects that tell bold, authentic stories with an emphasis on strengthening the feminine voice separate of her counterpart. As a screenwriter, I am constantly creating characters in their rawest form and fighting to keep them grounded on the page. Acting is just the icing on the cake, and every now and then, you can find me belting out a tune on stage or at your nearest jazz club.
Bejo: My work and what I am primarily known for is acting and filmmaking. Over the last 16 years, I‘m very proud of all the accomplishments I made for my work as an actor in German and American TV Shows and Movies. I am especially proud of following and not giving up on my goals- moving to a different country to pursue my international career, starting my own production company together with my partner Esmeree, and bringing our stories to life.
Our latest project, “Way to Go“ was very special for both of us. We cast several talented actor friends, one who flew in from Germany and shot the project in three days with minimal resources.
We continue to receive increasingly positive feedback, which has led us to anticipate a mass public screening for Way To Go, with the probability of the film transitioning into a feature. Way to Go speaks volumes on the subject matter of bullying and how words affect us on a level that can change a person‘s life for better or for worse. We believe Way to Go will hit the masses with an unexpected truth, allowing individuals to reflect on their own lives and prejudices in a way that becomes cathartic but also examines how we as a society respond, think, and feel with respect to the significant subject.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Bejo: Two big lessons I learned along my journey is that no is stopping you from achieving your goals, except yourself. We sometimes face moments in life when nothing is really happening and that can be depressing or even question your own beliefs about yourself. You can wait for something to happen or you can create your own opportunities. So don‘t wait, Create! The second big lesson is pretty simple. JUST ASK FOR HELP. You will be surprised by what you can get.
Esmeree: Be Patient. With patience comes wisdom and the ability to navigate through all the ups and downs that life has to offer. Patience trains the body and mind to let go of control, to release the pressures of oneself, and to truly become present in the moment. Someone very special to me shared a piece of advice I always take with me. Ask yourself these three questions. Where am I? Here. What time is it? Now. Who am I? This Moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://minimal-films.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmereesterling https://www.instagram.com/bejo.dohmen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinimalFilms
Image Credits
Minimal Films
