Meet Ezekiel Lazaroo | Filmmaker, Picture Editor & Colorist

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

Hi Ezekiel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose an artistic and creative career because it provides a means for me to express myself authentically. More specifically, my creative journey is driven by a desire to see my family and memories come to life on the screen. There’s a unique emotional resonance that I aim to convey through moving images, a sensation that can’t be translated through other artistic mediums like literature or paintings. The essence of a particular feeling or memory that I long to capture is something I’ve rarely encountered in films. My aspiration is to document these emotions, creating a visual narrative that resonates on a profound and personal level.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself a filmmaker, dabbling in editing and coloring, while also writing and directing on the side. Reflecting on Martin Scorsese’s talk about what makes him unique as a filmmaker, I realize that my uniqueness stems from my cultural background and upbringing. Similar to Scorsese’s connection to New York, I feel a deep connection to my Kristang heritage. I believe there’s a need for a film that showcases or at least mentions Kristang culture, which is on the brink of extinction. I aspire to be one of the voices raising awareness and telling our story on the big screen. From the hardships endured since World War II in Malaysia to the present day, both personal and in a broader narrative, I aim to shed light on our journey.

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.
Venturing beyond the typical tourist attractions like the Getty, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier, I’d introduce my guests to the captivating Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens nestled in San Marino. This cultural oasis offers an immersive blend of experiences, featuring an extensive library, an art museum showcasing European and American masterpieces, and sprawling botanical gardens spanning 120 acres. For fellow cinephiles, our journey would extend to the iconic Egyptian Theater and TCL Chinese Theatre, not only for cinematic experiences but also to marvel at their architectural grandeur. As a devoted film enthusiast, a visit to Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema would be a must, where we could delve into the rich history of cinema and enjoy exclusive screenings of films on 35mm, embracing the timeless charm of classic moviemaking.

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?
There are many individuals I’d like to acknowledge, but at this moment, I feel compelled to express gratitude to my professor, mentor, and friend, Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck. Rod has been instrumental in opening up the world of cinema to me, illuminating its true potential through his guidance and example. Without his influence and support, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Website: https://ezekiellazaroo.wixsite.com/ezekiellazaroo

Instagram: instagram.com/ezekiellazaroo

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ezekiellazaroo

Image Credits
Juan Dominguez, Tianyi Luo