"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
From Friends to Film: An Interview with Faye Tsakas '09
“If I can provoke even a few people to see something in a different way with my work, that's magical.”
What is a key lesson from Friends that you’ve taken into adulthood?
Lead with kindness and compassion.
Which one of Friends’ Spices—resonates most with you?
Community. Building community has been vital in both my professional and personal lives -- I'd be lost without a sense of community, and I absolutely gleaned the importance of Community during my time at Friends.
What have you been up to since graduating from Friends?
I attended Cornell University for Undergrad and the Stanford MFA Program in Documentary Film and Video for graduate school. I worked as a film acquisitions executive and as a development /production executive, and now I work as a director, producer, and documentary cinematographer.
Is there a particular teacher or teachers who inspired your career path?
I wouldn't say any teacher necessarily inspired my specific career path since I discovered my passion for film a bit later, not during high school, but I will say that Christel Johnson gave me the confidence to pursue any career and always encouraged and believed in my abilities.
How do you define success for yourself?
When I wake up feeling excited about the day at hand, I feel successful. Enjoying the process and finding meaning in the work whilst reaching people means success for me. If I can provoke even a few people to see something in a different way with my work, that's magical. All whilst maintaining a level of financial stability, of course!
How do you understand the work you do now as bringing about a world that ought to be?
I feel an urgency in the documentary work that I do. I aim to illuminate new meaning in what might otherwise be seen as commonplace and norm; and I feel there's a timeliness to the kind of work I strive to make. I'm interested in showcasing how late-stage capitalism dictates and facilitates culture.
Are there any upcoming projects or life events you’d like to share with us?
I was married last year in Greece with friends and family as witness which was unbelievably special. I am currently developing Alpha Kings as a feature documentary film, and producing a narrative feature film shooting in Ohio this spring. Christmas, Every Day is playing at MoMA in NYC this spring.
This interview was originally featured in the March Alumni Newsletter.
This interview was originally featured in the March Alumni Newsletter.
Alums—stay in the loop! If you’re not already receiving the bi-monthly Alumni Newsletter, reach out to Michael Mudho at mmudho@friendsseminary.org to get connected and share your news.
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Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
