Meet Alix Azuike | Screenwriter & Visionary

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

Hi Alix, what matters most to you?
Valuing others is the foundation for a lot of my principles, whether it be working toward equitable solutions for everyone, exploring cultures beyond my own, not only treating others with respect but leading by example for those who may struggle to be kind to their fellow man — all are my driving force in the way I engage with the world. We’re such wonderfully dynamic individuals who have far more in common than we’re conditioned to believe by the various influences that have played a part in framing our outlook. I have the utmost admiration for others who share a similar mindset. I treasure and value humanity always.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a filmmaker delivering satire crafted in immersive worlds to help the betterment of society. My baseline as a storyteller is to suspend belief just enough for the audience to receive the messages I’m highlighting without feeling like they’re being scolded. I’ve noticed the art behind educating others or invoking deeper thought, is not making someone feel inadequate but presenting them with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding. Allowing people to put themselves in a situation and asses how they’d react and then compare it to how someone else reacted and why they made said decisions, is the foundation of empathy. You don’t have to agree, but do you understand? What do you do with that understanding? That is, ideally, how I’d like people to receive my art with curiosity and influence them in areas where they recognize they could try something new.

This is my aim for my current show idea called Associates. Associates is a coming-of-age dramedy that follows a diverse native Angeleno trio, who are prone to impromptu groove sessions, navigating early adulthood via community college and naturally having their friendship tested.

I’ve been submitting my pilot to various fellowships hoping to get in. In the meantime, I’ll blessed to be a part of a community of filmmakers who all support each other’s endeavors. The next step is to film a brief proof of concept in the form of a trailer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely starting with some culture relative to the city! Art, art, art! I’m an architectural enthusiast so I’m taking them to the Getty Museum, it’s breathtaking structurally and artistically, and it has one of the best views in the city. This would allow me to highlight different regions and neighborhoods, as a native, I’d provide some history as well. I’d also take them to The Broad and follow it up with fantastic eats at Grand Central Market. I’d explain how there are technically two Art Districts in Downtown LA and that this is an upscale version. Then I’d take them to the heart, the soul, the pulse of LA’s diverse culture the true Arts District where the community lives and thrives, the buildings are repurposed to house some of the most culturally significant art and exquisite food. Hauser & Wirth is definitely on the list and a quick bite across the way at Hearts & Flame, we could also enjoy the farmers market just down the street if visit on the weekend!

Post art excursion, I’d brave the PCH traffic to give them a scenic route of our glorious beaches. We’d visit one of our greenest cities, Santa Monica, as it is pretty lively and walkable. Then pop by to Venice, can’t leave without a souvenir. Continuing with nature and art, I’d have to take them to a trail. All Trails is a great app for hiking and trail enthusiasts. I’m fond of exploring the trails in La Cañada Flintridge, so we’d high-tail it to Pasadena. Descanso Gardens is a must, with allergy pills present to be on the safe side, it’s a nice way to unplug and also learn about the native plants of California as well as all the other foliage that we may take for granted. You can’t leave Pasadena without visiting the Huntington Library not only is it gorgeous, but I do find it a bit romantic as well, not many places can juggle multiple ambiences like that.

In short; I’d take them to museums, a great beach, and engage in nature — all while giving a history lesson of the brilliant neighborhoods that shape LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to everyone who supports Shoutout LA, is brave enough to pursue their dreams, disciplined enough to make necessary sacrifices to sustain themselves, and all of the beautiful teachers — formal and informal — who’ve helped shaped me into the person I am today. Every day people are my deepest sources of inspiration.

Website: https://azuikecreative.squarespace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alix.and.ra/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alix-azuike-b71079205/

Image Credits
The photos were taken by crew members or myself from the sets & events I’ve worked on.