I am a recently retired correctional deputy who did this for 25 years. There is no way to over-emphasize how happy I am about being free now to pursue my dream of serious filmmaking. I wrote the script, "Samira" a few years ago but, being in law enforcement, I didn't have the time or energy to even think about getting it into production. I am attempting to do so independently because, when it comes to filmmaking, especially with my own script which I care deeply about, I'm a control freak. I want my vision for the film to make it to the screen.

"Samira" is a passionate story of forbidden love between a Jordanian/Palestinian woman who is a Muslim and a non-Muslim American man. It is pre and post 9/11 and it is set in Jordan and Berkeley, California. 

I've always had a touch of shyness so why do I want to do something like fund-raising? I can't imagine why. Why do I want to direct a bunch of actors, many of whom are likely do be full of themselves? I can't imagine why. But it is something I MUST do. I have no choice, though it's highly irrational.

I recently started casting with no money to do the film. I'm telling the actors that I want to assemble a cast and crew first so that potential investors will know it's ready to go. Then, I'll approach investors with a business plan and see what happens. I'm getting applications from some gorgeous actresses and interesting actors. So, we'll see.

If you've read this far, thank you for your attention and I will keep you posted of future developments. If I can be in any measure successful with this, it'll give hope to other aspiring filmmakers.