We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Kruishoop and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that if you don’t take risks, you don’t get anywhere. Being an artist / filmmaker is pretty much being a gambler. Every time, you start all over again and you hope it works out. Nothing is guaranteed, but then, nothing in life really is.

I like taking risks, it’s in my nature. I like being disruptive, but sometimes it makes me tired and then I start to crave stability. I try to define what that really is and by the time I figure that out some crazy stuff has happened again and I just keep going. Never a dull moment when you don’t play it safe!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Every human being, every artist is unique. We develop our own language, our own creative world and themes we talk about. When my earlier work evolved a lot about isolated characters in a smaller context, sometimes using parts of myself as inspiration, I’m now able to tell stories centered around humans beings who are deeply rooted in a larger reality. Therefore, I’d like to think that my work has become less self indulgent and more socially conscious.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Every area in LA has its own heart and soul which is one of the great things about LA. So many hidden gems. I live between the beach and the mountains. I’ve really become an outdoor person, even though I’m a city girl at heart. I love Topanga and Malibu Lake. I have a horse and I ride in Hidden Valley, which is absolutely gorgeous. I live in a great community with like minded people. I love to go to The Old Place and hang out there. Cafe La Plage and Sunset Beach in Malibu are other favorites.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Great question! Every mentor I’ve ever had which started with my tennis coach up until some of my friends today. My film teacher @ The Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Frans Zwartjes, was an amazing mentor. He was one of the most amazing experimental filmmakers. A funny, kind and super creative man. Extremely free spirited and inspiring. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. So big shoutout to Frans Zwartjes. I also credit my first distributor Rieks Hadders. He took a big risk releasing my first feature when I was still in school. We are friends and working together up until this day.

Website: www.miriamkruishoop.com

Instagram: @mkruishoop

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