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Ryan Mekenian

@ryanmekenian

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writer/director/producer drawn to overlooked stories hiding in plain sight

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Some shots from directing “Mud” last month.

Thanks to an amazing team:

Dir/Writer/Prod: 🙋🏻‍♂️
Cast: @audiethorn @ericmichaelcole @matthewluret
Co-Writer/Prod: @_alex_royer_
DP: @grahambyers_dp
1st AD: @ktpbdy
Associate Producer: @amileavetiisyan
1st AC: @triscuit_01
Key Grip: @itsweiland
Gaffer: @6hrsn93
Swing: @paulithefoo
Sound: @pablomena
HMU: @poojasethiya_mua
PA: @jessin_around
BTS: @hasselbroad
Food Design: @spencer_dubose

Excited to finish editing and share with everyone! by @ryanmekenian

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18 days ago

A huge thank you to Debbie Wright and the entire team at @wacoan for taking the time to speak with me about the forthcoming Waco Independent Film Festival. I appreciate the warm welcome and great conversation!

Link in bio. @wacoindie

https://www.wacoan.com/the-grackle/qa-with-ryan-mekenian/ by @ryanmekenian

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3 months ago

My essay in Whitehot Magazine about my conversations with the late artist Alfredo Martinez.

Known first for his Basquiat forgeries, which made him rich before sending him to prison, Alfredo later built a fierce, singular body of work of his own.

I interviewed him by phone in 2023 while he was in the hospital, not knowing those conversations would be among his last.

Thank you to @newyorkbecker and the Whitehot team for publishing this piece.

🔗 Link in bio. by @ryanmekenian

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8 months ago

A small detail I’m proud of on the MUD call sheet: pronouns. In all the call sheets I’ve seen, I’ve never come across one that included them. Here’s to changing that.

#filmproduction #production #onset #inclusion by @ryanmekenian

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6 days ago

Me in 2016.

Ten years ago I moved back to my hometown of Los Angeles. I was a little lost.

I couldn’t figure out if I wanted to live in New York or LA. I was making music at the time, but I’d always wanted to get back to my first love of directing.

I was also moving from one relationship to the next, trying to prove to myself that I was loved, that I was wanted. Trying to fill a hole that’s probably still there, but one I’ve gotten better at filling for myself.

I look back at that version of me with a lot more understanding now. I didn’t really know what I was looking for. I just knew I was looking. by @ryanmekenian

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14 days ago

Thank you again, Waco! I’m still reeling from American Values winning Best Short Screenplay at the Waco Independent Film Festival.

And today is the FINAL day to vote for American Values for the Sofia Coppola Short Film Award! If you have five minutes, please rate and review the project, and help us take this film to the actual last Blockbuster.

Link in bio

@wacoindie @wacoan @moviemakermag @sofiacoppola @decentralized_pictures #blockbuster #lastblockbuster #blockbustervideo #blockbusterbend #wacoindie by @ryanmekenian

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3 months ago

I’m honored ‘American Values’ received the Best Short Screenplay award at the Waco Independent Film Festival.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that it includes a $5,000 production grant to shoot portions of the film in Waco.

A huge thank you to Louis, Samuel, Rachel, Trent, and everyone at @wacoindie for believing in this story. Your generosity, encouragement, and commitment to independent film made this an unforgettable week.

Looks like the next stop for American Values is back in Texas.

#WacoIndie #IndependentFilm #Screenwriting #AmericanValues #ShortFilm by @ryanmekenian

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3 months ago

🌴 From California to Waco. 🎬

Ahead of his first visit to Texas, screenwriter @ryanmekenian shares the stories behind his two festival-nominated screenplays, what excites him about @wacoindie, and what he's looking forward to exploring while he's in town. 🎥✨

👉 Read the full Q&A at the link in our bio. by @ryanmekenian

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3 months ago

New festival hard launch.

Pale Shelter will have its east coast premiere at the Rhode Island international film festival. Oscar, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying. Can’t wait to attend, then take a small vacation at nearby Widow’s Bay. by @ryanmekenian

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3 months ago

When I found out that Blockbuster Video used to censor films that didn’t fit its family-friendly, conservative image (including the entire John Waters filmography) I immediately knew I had to write something about it.

What followed was a screenplay about a group of rebellious Blockbuster employees who start an underground rental ring for all the banned movies. It’s a story about people willing to break the rules to keep great movies alive.

I haven’t been able to make the film yet, but on Friday, July 17, the Waco Independent Film Festival will present a staged reading of the script, brought to life by members of the Wild Imaginings Theatre Company. It will be the first time I hear the screenplay performed aloud, and it feels like a meaningful step toward finally getting the movie made.

If you’re in Waco, I’d love to see you there!

@wacoindie @wildimaginingswaco
#blockbustervideo #screenwriter #waco #filmmaking #filmmaker taken in Waco, Texas by @ryanmekenian

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4 months ago

Pleased as punch to announce Pale Shelter will have its world premiere at Dances With Films LA.

Pale Shelter was filmed entirely in the alleys, underpasses, and neglected industrial crevices of LA — which meant the film had to premiere here.

As a student of noir, this film is my loving entry into the genre. I hope you’ll come and enjoy it in June! by @ryanmekenian

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5 months ago

Today my sister is 25 years sober.

It’s hard to put into words how big that is, knowing there was a time we almost lost her. Looking back, it’s impossible to imagine life without her in it.

She’s brought so much laughter, strength, and light to our family over the years, and I’m proud to call her my sister. by @ryanmekenian

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5 months ago