Sometimes, the most profound stories come from the places we least expect. Rude Awakening is one of those stories. When Jonathan, Sandra and Jorge reached out to me about shooting a documentary on mindfulness, they didn’t want to focus on a clear definition or seek the truth. They wanted something different; something alienated, inviting the audience to experience the idea of mindfulness, rather than simply understand it. In the summer of 2019, I found myself in Denver, ready to dive into the unknown. With two RED Monstro's and a full set of Cooke Anamorphics. I was prepared to capture something that blended reality with fiction. The film evolved into a tapestry of real interviews and fictional narratives, exploring profound questions like: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” The approach was intuitive, the camera work unconventional, and the result is one of the most cherished pieces I’ve ever worked on. Rude Awakening became more than just a documentary. It’s a conversation, a question, and a shared journey.