It’s amazing how so many people can connect in the film industry, and when they connect with me, I end up doing an interview with them. That’s what happened with me and Ty Javos one day when he told me about how he would be showcasing a series of short films at the Cinematheque on the 23rd this month. Honestly, I considered the possibility of doing an event summary but thought maybe it would be better to do an interview instead, so I could get the word out much earlier, thus increasing attendance. Ty’s showcase is called I’m Seeing Things, and focuses on films about men’s mental health, addiction, recovery, and even suicide. Plus they represent both BIPOC and LGBTA2+ communities in Vancouver. Maybe one of these films will connect with you in some unique or special way, and you’ll be able to connect with people. But why am I just promoting it? I gotta tell you how our conversation went because if the films are just as great as our talk was, you’ll just have to check out the event.
HNMAG: Each of these films in the showcase is about artistic exploration. How did you find each of them?
Ty Javos: Most of these films came out of a need for me to find my artistic expression, the first was born out of feeling frustrated and not having a control over my career. As an actor, you feel like there’s so many ways that you can’t actually do the thing that you’d like to do. They’ll end up in class and then they never do anything else from there. They audition, and audition, and audition, and nothing comes through. Then they have to find different ways to actually practice earning. The very first one came out of me just trying to find some sort of power and being an artist and knowing that I do have something to say and someplace in this industry for me. All of my short films work a little bit of my own personal experience into whatever I’m writing, directing or producing. It fits kind of a like a far-out genre film, like Lover which is a stalker-turned serial killer story with a sprinkle of my own personality in that.
HNMAG: What inspired you to put on this showcase?
Ty Javos: It’s not only trying to find my own artistic voice, and all about celebrating the numerous cast and crew that came together to help me build these projects. Film is a team sport and without the many people who are involved in these productions, I would not be able to put this on itself so I just not only want to celebrate me trying to take power into my own career but the local talent here in Vancouver is just absolutely amazing. Sometimes I don’t feel we accurately get a chance to display all the talented individuals that are here in town, so you might see my face and name on most of these projects but there are so many people behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera that I want to give some time to.
HNMAG: When selecting the films, what do you look for in acceptable in terms of submission?
Ty Javos: For me, it’s always about story. I think things can be beautifully shot, we can have pretty people in front of the camera. But at the end of the day, if I don’t connect with the characters of the story, or I’m bored which is the worst thing for a film then I don’t really want to watch it. That’s where all these projects come from, I always start with ‘What is the message? What am I trying to say?” and then try to find the most appropriate story to tell that message with.
HNMAG: With all the themes on mental health, addiction, recovery, and even suicide, who do you suppose your target audience will be?
Ty Javos: I hope it’s for anyone who has struggled with these things, or are struggling with these things. While these may be taboo subjects, I feel in some way anyone can connect to this darkness that’s the underlying core of these films. We all have our struggles and despite where we are at life or who we are, that doesn’t take away from what we’re going through. I hope while some of these films kind of go to the extreme, people also find a bit of themselves in their darkness they’re dealing with.
HNMAG: Will there be some fair warnings at the beginning of the festival or even these films just in case?
Ty Javos: Yeah, absolutely. I feel like films themselves deal with this heavy manner in a very appropriate way. What I mean by that is I feel like it’s fairly suggestible to any audience who might be enjoying these films. While we do have some relatively heavy subject matter, I feel like nothing in it is too extreme that would shove away any audience who might be triggered or might feel extreme reactions to what they’re watching. I feel like I’ve done a fairly good job at keeping all these films accessible to every demographic of audience.
Ty Javos not only keeps it open to everyone, but finds a way for them to all to resonate with everyone. The way he talked about it sounded like it was a huge personal impact on him with what he found and what he made. I had to dwell deeper on that.
HNMAG: Why else do they resonate with you especially?
Ty Javos: Like I mentioned, some of my own experience. I have been sober from drugs and alcohol for nearly 5 years. Even being here in Vancouver today is nothing short of a miracle because prior to my arrival in town, I was struggling heavy with addiction to the point of the themes. Wanting to take your own life, hurt yourself, feeling hopeless and there is no way out. I’m not special in any means, the fact I was able to come over these things took immense help from different communities. It took people who were there to support me, people who didn’t give up on me, and I’m grateful enough to have those things because I know that’s not the case for most people. I guess I just want to say to people that if you are struggling with these things, you’re not alone, there is help, and I was able to funnel all the things that I was feeling into these artistic pursues and if anyone takes away anything from this screening, what I’m trying to present on film: It’s that you too can find your way out of the darkness and use your experience.
HNMAG: What about other films by you? Can we expect something big like a feature?
Ty Javos: I’m working on a few features right now, constantly writing them. Until I find that project that I can confidently say this is what I want to do, what I want to share, and say, I’m constantly working on what is the most appropriate way to tell that story. For right now, I”ve got many ideas but until the time is right, until I feel that I’m ready, and confident, what I’m putting out to the world has value and merits. Then I’m going to put my time into preparing for those things whether it’s writing more features, writing a novel, turning to music, I’m kind of at a transition point where I’ve been doing these short films, practicing my craft as an actor, learning about directing for quite some time. At this moment I’m trying to find my place, what that guy is saying in this world, what’s going on and how film can help propel that message.
HNMAG: What was your experience like creating a film?
Ty Javos: Creating it as like every film, it’s a challenge. (laughs) You know, producing and directing, I can’t say there was one time where everything went smoothly as it should have. Whether that was losing locations, actors dropping out, my crew setting off the fire alarm and having the whole fire department show up on set almost canceling our shoots. It’s like what probably happens on at least one of these films, so the fact that we were able to make them and I’m able to put them out is a big accomplishment so making films can be difficult.
HNMAG: Do you have plans for future events like the one you’re hosting?
Ty Javos: I’ve recently stepped into a role for short film nights, my own screenings. I’m currently working as coordinator for VSFF, so I’m just learning about this side of the film fest and I’m having a lot of fun doing it, so if I was ever offered an opportunity to help showcase local talent or international talent as well, I would jump at that opportunity. For right now, it’s about celebrating what we have done and then hopefully taking a little bit of a break to look forward at what we want to do in the future.
HNMAG: Will the future screeners of this kind focus on other subjects or be more like this one?
Ty Javos: I think the themes that are in these films will always be something close to my heart, mental health and addiction recovery especially. But I’m always trying to redefine myself and as I’m trying to find my voice, I will have things to say about other parts of the world or film and society. There will be more stuff, I will find different things to say and more importantly when I find out what those things are…
HNMAG: Then we can definitely expect something from you in the near future
Ty Javos: The rest of the year will be focused on writing my debut feature. I can only give you a little hint as to what that will be, but I went through some incredibly challenging public moments in Calgary.
Seeing as how he was able to deal with that trauma, and overcome his own self-sabotage is what the film will cover, most likely. But we don’t know for sure as he’s just in the early phases currently. But we can expect something to start next year for sure. There will be more even. In the meantime, let’s all go to Ty’s screening and check out these films. Tickets are free, so if you’re free for the day, feel free to get tickets today!