Meet Cedric Christophorus | Filmmaker and Media Educator

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

Hi Cedric, why did you pursue a creative career?
Artistic storytelling has always been a passion of mine since I was little. From creating skits during lunch breaks in primary school to actually crafting my first short film in a Bahasa Indonesia class, I have always loved the power of stories and have been deeply moved by it. Art is a profound and vulnerable medium that teaches people empathy; it allows us to truly see things from another person’s point of view. Now that I am working inside the industry, I’ve always found the ability to see firsthand a plethora of perspectives to be beautiful and rewarding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a filmmaker and media educator. My films are curated with a focus on humanity and empathy, reflecting my unique cultural perspective within the entertainment industry. I specialize in creating stories that delve into the intersections of religiosity, gender, and race.

Currently, I am in the midst of finishing my latest short film, “Icing on Her Cake.” This film tells the story of a Southeast Asian woman attempting to understand the life of her “American” housemate solely through her housemate’s sticky notes, groceries, and voicemails.

In addition to my work in short film production, I am also employed by one of the leading Black-owned production companies in the United States, ARRAY, founded by Ava DuVernay. In this role, my department is currently focused on creating social activations for Ava DuVernay’s latest film, “ORIGIN.”

Reflecting on where I am now, it’s astonishing to think that just a year ago, I would have never imagined that I’d be working with some of the brightest minds in the industry while continuing to refine my skills as an independent filmmaker. The journey was undoubtedly challenging, especially for international students like myself, who have only three months after graduation to secure a job or face deportation from the country. There were moments when I doubted my abilities and felt that I wasn’t good enough, but all it takes is one person who believes in you and your abilities to make all the difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am new to the city myself and I just moved here 9 months ago, so I would love to get some recommendations myself! Food festivals and pop-up restaurants are huge in LA, definitely come to one if you get notified of one. For people who love milk teas and bobas, I recommend going to Odd One Out Tea in Sawtelle. Their milk teas are heavenly.

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?
I am truly grateful to my parents, who have continued to believe in my artistic craft and supported my journey to a country far from home. I am also deeply appreciative of my Bahasa Indonesia teacher, who encouraged and facilitated my exploration of creativity in the process of creating my first short film. To my current company, ARRAY, I owe a debt of gratitude for imparting the profound lesson of what it truly means to advocate for causes that matter. Last but not least, I am eternally grateful to my creative community in the United States. They have been outstanding collaborators and friends who never hesitate to embark on new projects with me.

Website: https://cedric-christophorus.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophorus-cedric/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiS381EVVwAM7UmuTuPjGww

Image Credits
Delvin Victor Fernando Owen Nathanael