Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie-Michele Jasmin-Belisle.
Hi Marie-Michele, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Montreal-born, desert-raised and ocean living! Lived in New Mexico but worked in California for most of my adult life. I fell in love with film after seeing Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet. Started directing music videos, dance films, collaborated with many amazing indigenous and Japanese artists, found a couple of muses, dove into experimental narratives, and migrated to period dramas. I’m currently developing two series and a feature that range from a spiritual saga with lots of futuristic elements, fortune tellers and a costume house.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggle has been for me to make up my mind and go full steam ahead on my projects. Every time I do, I gain momentum and everything falls into place. Self-discipline is also not my strongest suit, but hey, living in this world + working in the arts is a work-in-progress!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Poetic, metaphoric, highly stylized worlds and characters based on stories, personal experiences and spiritual concepts. I direct films that push the envelope of traditional cinema and am moving from short and mid-length to feature and episodic. I have also directed two feature documentaries on Dennis Banks and the American Indian Movement. For my new projects, I am learning to light-paint and playing with hand-drawn animation over live-action footage. Super exciting stuff!
How do you think about happiness?
Tapping into my full potential. It brings me closest to my perception of “the sublime”. I like to think of it as catching the light, and as my life’s purpose, or at least how I see it for myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.8h51.com
- Instagram: 8h51_mariemichele
- Youtube: youtube.com/8h51
Image Credits:
Marie-Michele Jasmin-Belisle
