Special Slamdance Coverage: Portlynn Tagavi

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Jump into the mosh pit with filmmaker Portlynn Tagavi. We talk about her stunning filmmaking career, animation, Film Independent’s Project Involve, and her brilliant short film, MOSH, which screened at Slamdance this year. 

In this episode, we talk about:

• how she got started in filmmaking through animation;
• the difference in directing animation vs. life action ("the whole concept of talking to actors still freaks me out");
• what the AFI Conservatory MFA Directing program is like;
• the importance of going into a room and acknowledging that you are still learning a particular craft;
• how MOSH got made through Film Independent's Project Involve;
• leadership advice in directing;
• what's the creative executive track like;
• the story of MOSH and what people should expect to see ("what does masculine emotional release look like?";
• why Slamdance? what is she expecting going into the screenings;
• the role of short films especially in a premiere film festival like Slamdance;
• the benefits of a larger social media following;
• the challenges of finding distribution for films at even the premiere film festivals;
• how Oscars don't exactly help careers -- "even with Oscars, you probably still have to prove yourself";
• what's next for her.

Portlynn's Indie Film Highlight: STOLEN KINGDOM (2025) dir. by Joshua Bailey

Links:

Follow Portlynn On Instagram

Portlynn Tagavi's Website