Meet Michelle Kahn | Director

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

Hi Michelle, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Pursuing a life and career in film is inherently risky. For me, it was uncertain because I come from a family of engineers and entrepreneurs— No one in my family had ever worked in the film industry, so when I chose this path, I was stepping into completely unfamiliar territory.

Deciding to dive into it was not easy. It meant leaving behind a more conventional path, embracing uncertainty, and accepting the possibility of failure. I’ve always known I wanted to tell stories through film and fortunately, my family has always supported my passion and encouraged me to follow it, even when they didn’t fully understand it.

After completing my degree in Media and Communications, I followed my fascination with visual storytelling into the world of concept art and animation. I was drawn to the magic of VFX and 3D, to the way entire worlds could be built from imagination and just computers. But as exciting as that journey was, it was the right fit but ultimately wasn’t for me. It was a hard truth to face—that something I had invested so much time and effort into wasn’t going to be my long-term path. It felt like a personal failure at the time, but it was also one of the most defining moments of my life.

The real risk wasn’t that it didn’t work out—the real risk was choosing to begin again. I had to confront my disappointment, reflect on what I truly wanted, and listen to that persistent voice inside me that had always said: you want to direct.

Directing had been in the back of my mind since university and I thought as a director while I was in animation but, it was only after stepping away from that path that I gave myself permission to fully pursue it. I realized that what truly fulfilled me was being on set, collaborating with others, and bringing stories to life through performance, camera, emotion, visuals— something I could have to my advantage as a concept artist!

So I pivoted once more and I applied to The American Film Institute Conservatory. It felt like another leap into the unknown but this time it was so exciting. I didn’t know if I would get in. I didn’t know if I was “ready.” But I knew I had to try.

To my surprise and joy, I was accepted. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter so I moved to Los Angeles. Right now I’m pursuing my MFA in Directing at AFI and I’m about to start my 2nd Year. Everything has been terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Every step of this journey has required risk: the risk of starting over, of not fitting into a mold, of chasing my dream. But through every turn, I’ve learned that risks are about possibilities to become the best version of myself.

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 believe what sets me apart as a filmmaker is my vulnerability. I’m an honest, expressive person who tries to stay deeply connected to my emotions, and my work comes from that place. I lead with feeling and heart—whether it’s in the stories I choose to tell or how I show up for my collaborators. For me, filmmaking is about connection with the people you work with and how you can reach audiences. I bring that excitement and presence into every project, and I work hard to create space for others to do the same.

As a director, I’m constantly pursuing strong, emotionally grounded stories—but I’m just as invested in meaningful collaborations. I focus on guiding a team toward one shared vision, building trust even before we set a foot on set, and leading with empathy and clarity. I put intention into every decision, because I want the final piece to reflect everyone’s best work as a cohesive piece.

What excites me most is how much I still have to learn. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited for the stories I haven’t told yet. Seeing a project come to life—especially surrounded by the people who helped shape it—is what makes me feel most fulfilled. That sense of shared accomplishment is everything, just being able to point at the screen and say “hey, we did that!”

What I want people to know about me is that I care deeply. I’m interested in making art that’s alive, that’s emotionally honest, and that reaches people. My brand is built on authenticity, collaboration, and passion. I’m not afraid to feel things fully, and I hope that comes through in the work—just as the films that shaped me once made me feel seen and inspired me to follow this path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not originally from here, and there’s still so much of Los Angeles I want to explore. From the limited free time I’ve had, my favorite spots are the ones that don’t feel like typical tourist traps. If my best friend came to visit, here’s how I’d show them the city:

Day 1: I’d start in Pasadena—visiting the Norton Simon Museum and The Huntington, then strolling down the charming main street full of cute shops, ending at City Hall (a fun stop for any Parks and Recreation fans). It’s a quieter, beautiful area with a lot of character.

Day 2: We’d spend the day in Downtown L.A., admiring iconic architecture like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, exploring The Broad, and stopping by the Bradbury Building. For lunch, I’d take them to the lively Grand Central Market to sample a variety of flavors.

Day 3: Museum lovers would enjoy The Getty or LACMA, maybe with brunch at République beforehand. For some beach time, I’d skip busy Santa Monica and drive a bit further to El Matador Beach in Malibu—a stunning, peaceful spot. Nearby, Malibu Seafood serves what I honestly think is the best seafood I’ve ever had.

Day 4: No trip to L.A. would be complete without a morning hike in Griffith Park up to the Observatory, followed by brunch at Sqirl. Then we’d hang around Los Feliz, Echo Park, and Silver Lake. For dinner, Pine & Crane is a great choice, with drinks afterward at Bacari.

Day 5: For the classic L.A. experience, we’d visit the Academy Museum, stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out the Chinese Theatre, and maybe wander around Beverly Hills to soak in that iconic glamour.

What I love about L.A. is that it has a little bit of everything: incredible food, art, nature, weirdness and sometimes moments of total peace. It’s a big city but it has a lot of charm if you give it the chance.

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?
The biggest shoutout goes to my parents. Without their unconditional support in letting me chase my dreams, I wouldn’t be here. They’ve always believed in me and in my ability to achieve something that once felt distant and impossible—and thanks to them, it’s become very real and possible. With a big mention to my dad for showing me movies from a very early age and making me fall in love with the craft.

To my filmmaker friends, who have also been mentors to me—for believing in me and lifting me up, even when I couldn’t do it myself. Beyond what I’ve learned from my instructors, I’ve grown immensely just by watching my peers work.

And today, I’m also deeply grateful to all my instructors, past and present, who have challenged me, guided me, and served as inspiring role models— thank you for helping me honing my craft every step of the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaskahn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kahn-523734157/