Guy Nattiv—the Israeli-born director, producer, and screenwriter—won an Oscar in 2019 for his short film Skin. His latest release, Tatami, is out now in select theaters. In this episode, we speak about the subject matter of Skin, his filmmaking process, and the impact it had on him and on the actors. It's a highly unconventional story of revenge, making Nattiv, in my mind, one of the most important filmmakers today. We discuss his upbringing in Israel and some of his personal and professional influences, including those fostered at Camera Obscura film school in Tel Aviv, from which he graduated in 2012.

My guest for this episode is flautist, vocalist, and composer Naïssam Jamal. Born in Paris to Syrian parents, she entered a conservatory at age six to study classical flute. We discuss her early life in Paris and issues surrounding her cultural background; she talks about her experiences in the conservatory and her subsequent travels throughout the Middle East and Africa. Master musicians whom she’s met along the way have been major influences. Her latest album is Souffles, French for “breaths.” It’s composed of eight pieces, all duets, and features jazz saxophone legend Archie Shepp. Join us.

https://naissamjalal.com

In this episode, I talk with the talented trumpeter, composer, and arranger Milena Casado. Born and raised in Spain, she’s a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills working with amazing teachers. She shares about growing up in a small village town, looking different from other members of that community; about meeting her father for the first time; about getting in touch with her Dominican roots; and about her acceptance to Berklee. We also discuss the major influence of her mentor, drummer extraordinaire Terri Lyne Carrington, and dive into her album Reflection of Another Self, a stunning debut that's a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and resilience.

https://www.milenacasado.com