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

Hi Chris, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I hope my films encourage positivity and bring joy to audiences, especially in uncertain times. I want people to feel something real when they watch my work. If someone walks away feeling seen, inspired, or even just a little lighter, then I’ve done my job.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I bounced around between film studios for many years, learning how the machine works from the inside. It was not easy. Hollywood is not a business built purely on meritocracy. There is politics, timing, luck, and a lot of noise.

For a while, I tried to navigate it by playing the game. Eventually, I realized the only real path forward was to plant my flag creatively, make work that feels honest to me and let the right people gravitate toward it. If they connect with it, great. If not, that’s fine too. I learned to block out the noise and focus on craft. The rest will fall into place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would keep it simple and meaningful. We would start with the beach. Early mornings by the water in Malibu before it gets crowded. Then we would find those tucked away restaurants off the main road in places like Topanga.

We would hike in the Santa Monica Mountains and go to small hidden cafés. I’m less interested in the flashy tourist checklist and more interested in the quiet gems.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout to all the incredible artists I have collaborated with over the years. Film is never a solo sport. Every project I have worked on has been shaped by talented cinematographers, designers, actors, and crew members who poured themselves into the work. I would not be where I am without that shared passion and belief.

Website: https://chrissarfin.com

Instagram: sarfinofficial

Image Credits
Photographer: Aleksandre Alikhanashvili

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.