Meet Yaz Canli | Writer-Director-Actor

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

Hi Yaz, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want people to be moved, touched and inspired, when watching my films and walk away with a changed perspective. A compassionate heart unifies and that is what we need so desperately right now. Come together in humanity. If I can contribute to awaken us back to the truth that we are all connected souls here on earth meant to live in harmony and peace together, supporting and loving each other then I have met my legacy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to tell stories with a message that raises awareness or opens the audiences up to a new perspective on things. I am interested in lending voices to characters that are traditionally not heard and seen or highlight parts that we as humans like to avoid looking at. I have been an actor pretty much my entire life and love human behavior and the psychology behind what makes us tick. In storytelling I am most interested in understanding and exploring the characters as deeply as possible and then some and I think that is what stands out in my films. My Home Unknown, is my first feature and has multilayered, complicated, real people which creates a powerful entry into audiences hearts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Latinx with plants is a gem of a little plant and succulent paradise in East LA, if you are looking for a green gift. Female and minority owned. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly ladies.

Kitchen Mouse Cafe and Amara Kitchen both in East LA are my favorite lunch/breakfast spots for delicious food that is clean and conscious.
Kitchen Mouse also has a little shop next door for quirky gifts and knickknacks.

Planta is a gorgeous fancy Asian Latin plant based restaurant for date and friends night in Marina Del Rey. You would never know it’s plantbased. Flavors are rich and the dishes are thoughtful.

TOI in Weho is my old school favorite eclectic Thai spot with so much character and history. The Black Rice is a must try!

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 deeply grateful to my artistic communities over the years that have provided a safe space for me to explore and practice my craft of storytelling. I spent many years working with Ivana Chubbuck where I found my cathartic journey through artistic expression on a deeper level and gathered a strong base of tools I continue to use in my work. Since 2017 I became a lifetime member of the prestigious Actor Studio and call that my artistic home. The mentorship and fertile playground for writing, directing and acting there is one of a kind and an incredible honor for any serious artist to keep developing. It’s my place of inspiration. I am so grateful to the many wonderful fellow artists at The Actor Studio who so generously share their wisdom with me.

Instagram: @yazcanli @myhomeunknown

Facebook: Yaz Canli