Zaxai is confronted with the most difficult moment in his relationship with Nafsica. The question is, can he still reach her when all seems lost. “Where You Are” is a story about everlasting love.

THE STORY BEHIND “WHERE YOU ARE”

“Where You Are” began as a simple story I wanted to tell while we were all stuck in quarantine. I needed to come up with something simple and safe for the smallest possible crew to create but still be a story worth telling.

While the films roots are inspired by feelings and terminology inspired during the Covid19 Pandemic, it’s not about the virus at all. Instead I wanted to focus on an important moment in a couples relationship.

I reached out to Zaxai to perform in this because we’d worked together previously on the music video “Find Me Here” and we were talking about the next video we’d be making. He makes wonderful music about love and relationships so I knew he’d be able to bring life to the character in this piece.

Zaxai suggested asking Nafsica to play opposite him and it could not have worked out better. A couple in real life, they brought the intimacy and playfulness that was needed to drive this story home. A successful singer and musician in her own right, not only did Nafsica deliver the performances I needed, but in these odd times, she also allowed us to film in her home.

While I thought I’d be able to be a one man band to keep things simple, I realized the project would have suffered because of it. Thankfully, my old friend and long time collaborator Jon Fordham agreed to come out and (save me) be the cinematographer. Jon has DP’d several music video for me in the past, but this film is our first narrative collaboration and I could not be more grateful for his generosity and skill.

Once in post I reached out to another one of my talented buddies, Jay Rivera who came through and helped me put some of the finishing touches on the edit. He also created some of the promotional materials (and even the root level films logo!) for the film. I’ve known Jay for a long time, and even directed a music video for him titled “Fuego” (also DP’d by Jon!) which is currently in post production.

This particular film sits close to my heart. Not just because I’m proud of the outcome, but also because when I look around, I realize I’m surrounded by some amazingly supportive friends that were down to come out and help me (safely!) make a movie.

THE TEAM BEHIND “WHERE YOU ARE”

Christopher J. Aran is a New York based filmmaker with 18 years of experience in entertainment most of which has been behind the camera. His directorial works have been screened at various film festivals and television outlets including the Cannes Short Film Corner and MTV.

Originally from Santa Ana, California, Director of Photography Jon Fordham is based in New York City. His work as Director of Photography has taken him all over the world shooting in Europe, Africa, Asia, and across the United States and Canada.

Jon is best known for his Commercial and Music Video work with name brands, major label artists, and top rated Directors.

Zaxai (ZA-K-EYE) one of Brooklyn NY’s eclectic artist. Born of Haitian decent he credits a lot of his sound to his diverse, cultural up bringing.

Captivating, intimate, are only a few words to describe his voice & performances. It’s exactly that which brought Zaxai to the Top 24 of season 15 of “NBC The Voice”. Kelly and Jennifer Hudson fought over this young man to gain a spot on both their teams. In the words of Jennifer Hudson "you're a natural performer, you're ready." Zaxai is ready to take the music industry by storm.

Although his roots hail from Haiti this passionate performer sings in 5 different languages. They are English French Creole Spanish Italian and Russian. He explains “Music is my mistress. I want to know as much of her as I can." 

Zaxai began singing in church at the age of 12 & playing the guitar at 14. It’s there he credits his foundation and knew he wanted to be an artist. 

He has traveled all across the world singing professionally since the age of 18 where he started his career singing background vocals for recording artists such as Avery Storm, & international Jazz legend Emeline Michel and most recent, Abir for her YouTube live sessions. 

Today, Zaxai has been touring records off his latest EP "Too Far Gone" available on every streaming platform as well as prepares to release his third studio project, “Son Of The Xrown Warrior”. 

Singer/Songwriter Nafsica released her self-titled album with Universal Greece at age 9. At a young age she moved to New York. She has attained a Theater degree and became a Berklee Songwriting Scholarship winner. She is a published songwriter, has opened for John Legend in NYC, previously toured with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and had her Broadway debut starring in “Rocktopia” Nafsica has been releasing singles off of her EP "Diamond Heart" and has an upcoming single called "Mad 4 U", out July 10th,2020.

Experienced Freelance Sr. Art Director/Art Supervisor with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Skilled in Photography, Graphics, Logo Design, Typography, Advertising, Concepting and Storytelling. Strong arts and design professional with a BTECH in communication design focused in Art and Advertising Design from New York City College of Technology.

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