MICHAEL MODAK-TRURAN
Writer-Director
Michael's favorite Faulkner quote:
"Art is not only mankind's supreme expression; it is also the salvation of mankind."
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Interview with Loic Bouvard, 1952.
Collected in "Lion in the Garden".
FUN FACTS ABOUT MICHAEL
Grew up in Mississippi
Won a national film award at the age of 10
Worked on Emmy-nominated TV Show at MPB while in high school
Attended theater programs at Stage Door Manor and Yale School of Drama's High School Program
Performed Italian Comedy at Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Performed in the Chicago Chorale
Grant recipient for researching Faulkner
Started a film festival at Booth House at University of Chicago
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Attended NYU Law School and Business School on full scholarships
Former president of a non-profit documentary film company
As a filmmaker, I firmly believe that art "is the salvation of mankind." Through art we are able to bridge different perspectives and find our commonalities.
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After growing up in Mississippi, graduating from the University of Chicago and working as a non-profit consultant, I started working full time on this documentary. As a millennial, I wasn't sure if I could relate to Faulkner. There were things he reportedly said that I didn't like, and still struggle to completely understand. But during my journey into Faulkner's life and work, I was able to find commonality.
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Faulkner didn't seek fame or grand adventure like some of his contemporaries. Faulkner's writing was his salvation. His work demonstrated the inner conflict of the social tensions of his times -- and ours.
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