I wanted to be a director since I was 8 years old, so I honestly don't remember what was the spark that ignited this passion. But it did take years for me to pursue it and what eventually turned the tables was a trip I took with my best friend in 2008. Returning from this fun and amazing trip to my job as an executive assistant I was literally choking back tears and realized if I stayed there any longer I'd die. So I quit and started this rough, unsafe and sometimes treacherous road to living off my art alone.

I made decision to just do it. Instead of waiting for permission or money to come my way, I pulled out a credit card, got a handful of friends together in whose talent I trusted, and started shooting. I learned a lot along the way and am still learning, every day. The only failure I recognize is failing to try. If you try and it doesn't work out, that's not failure. That's just you learning what works and what doesn't.

Vision. You have to have a vision. A friend told me once that film directors are like wartime generals. They both have to convince a large group of people to follow them into battle, even if it means losing everything (lives, livelihoods) in the process. And that requires a vision and passion that's almost palpable. Sure, you have to know how to tell a story well, too, that's very important, but if you can't convince people to do it with you, you're just a writer. A good writer, perhaps, but no more.

Having my first documentary "Back to Bosnia" screen on Capitol Hill and become part of the curriculum in many universities across USA. Having my work resonate beyond just entertainment and seeing it influence and inspire others to action is truly amazing and very humbling experience.