Today we’d like to introduce you to Timur Bootzin.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For me, film is a creative outlet that allows me to show new perspectives to audiences that I believe are important. The biggest thing for me as a filmmaker is making sure the passion for the story is there. Like anything in this world, if you don’t have the passion, you won’t be fully committed.
I was born into an orphanage in Kazakhstan and was adopted at the age of two and a half. I was brought to the United States by my two loving parents, Dan and Beth Bootzin. Growing up was definitely challenging for me (it probably didn’t help that I couldn’t speak any English at the time) but the way I see it, it makes me more of the person I am today.
When I was 11 years old, my mom had a seizure while swimming in a pool. After being saved by lifeguards, she was rushed to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor (the size of a golf ball) and ended up having brain surgery.
My mom was recovering from her brain surgery, while my dad was at work every day. My mom didn’t let me play video games at the time, so I started building a haunted maze in our yard, mainly for something to do. Since I was only 11 years old, the haunted maze started out really simple, but as I got older, it got bigger and more elaborate. Before I knew it all my friends got involved, helping me build the maze, putting up signs in the neighborhood, and performing in the maze.
I learned a lot about creative production from the mazes each year – managing a crew, directing actors, problem-solving, working towards a deadline, working with a budget and so much more.
When I was 16, I attended North Hollywood High School. Many of my friends are Latino, some of them have siblings in gangs. I started to become very interested in their culture and wanted to give a voice for people living in their circumstances. Most of all I wanted to put a meaningful message into a film.
When I was 17 years old, I wrote and directed, “Hermanos”. The film is about two close friends whose older brothers are in rival street gangs. It’s about the struggle to remain friends and the conflict of family vs friendship in a hard neighborhood. It was important to me to cast as many “real” people in the film. I was honored that many of the former gang-members/actors in the film were able to relate to the story as it reflected their own lives and felt it was an authentic depiction.
I put “Hermanos” on Youtube to mainly share it with my family members and friends. About three weeks later, and totally out of the blue, the views started going up really fast. I definitely did not expect that and now that it has reached over 9 million views, I have been astonished by how many people connected with the film. I feel very humbled that “Hermanos” was able to reach so many people.
I feel that I have only been able to scratch the surface of this story in the short film. I am now working on a feature-length screenplay of “Hermanos” and am in the works of bringing this film to life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. My transition to living in the US was definitely challenging. In elementary school, I also turns out I had really limited hearing from chronic ear infections (that I eventually had surgery for) but I had trouble hearing instructions, and was often misunderstood. When my parents weren’t with me, there was nobody to advocate for me. So, a lot of times I would be in trouble.
When my mom went through her brain surgery, it definitely gave me a new perspective on life and how each day is a blessing. A lot of times we take many things for granted, especially when we don’t know what tomorrow holds. It was this particular event in my life that made me cherish time with my family and friends. This gave me a whole new perspective on life.
But with all these challenges and obstacles, there’s always a lesson to be learned and something positive to pull from. I believe the ways we handle these challenges and obstacles is what shapes us into the person we are today.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
A lot of people deserve a lot of credit, but the two that deserve the most are my mom and dad. Without their support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be in the place I am in today. They have truly been the ones who are always there for me and I have learned many valuable lessons from them. There are not enough words or thanks to describe the impact my mom and dad have had in my life and continue to do so.
My 2nd-grade teacher, Ms. B and my Principal, Ms. Sasso, of “Franklin Elementary School”, really helped me during my younger years. They were both very understanding and supportive. They took the time to help and understand my circumstances during those early years.
I would also like to thank Randall Bobbitt of “Fictitious Productions” for letting me intern with his company and bringing me to film sets to gain further experience. Interning with his production company led to other opportunities which would not have been possible, which allowed me to continue learning. I am very thankful for that, along with some great advice he gave me along the way.
I would also like to thank Scar (Mario Ponce) & Irene Soto (from “Cholos Worldwide”) who were very instrumental in getting the short film “Hermanos” off the ground. They were the first people to come on board, and their enthusiasm and support for the project was really important. They brought along many of their friends and acquaintances to be cast members, which made the film so authentic (as well as introducing me to so many great people). Without them, “Hermanos” would not be the same movie, so lots of gratitude to Scar and Irene!
Beyond that, there are so many people who have supported me along the way. I hope someday I can mentor or encourage other young aspiring filmmakers, artists and entrepreneurs.
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Adina Rivera
August 28, 2019 at 12:52
Timurs story is without a doubt a human story of personal challenges & triumphs by a young man. These stories need to be told. We are proud of you & wish you many successes!