MR. AE HIMSELF...ALEXANDER ETSEYATSE THAT IS!!

HFS is all about going after your dreams with passion & reckless abandon. Every time I have the pleasure to come across someone who lives by that code I just can't wait to hear their story and share it with all those who need so badly to be encouraged via inspiration, to share it with those who never quite know where their next positive reinforcement pick me up will come from...well, THE WAIT IS OVER!!


 For those of you who have yet to make the acquaintance of talented & gifted WRITER/DIRECTOR Alexander Etseyatse, allow HFS to introduce him.


    Alexander Etseyatse is undeniably an all around arts enthusiast who found his passion for film during his early days in high school on the streets of Brooklyn, New York.  While attending  Brooklyn College, Mr. Etseyatse both wrote and directed two student shorts. The first was entitled "First Sight", about that moment when that very attractive someone's eyes meets yours and you feel that thing that makes you want to know more and then go the distance. (If you know what I mean...lol) The second was a thesis short "Caught Up", a film in which he not only cast his twin brother but won top honors at the “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program Film Festival. Shortly after he graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in Film Production.


 With passion in abundance, coupled with a clear vision of story telling through film it only seemed artistically logical that the birth of a film company would be in the not so distant future, so it should come as no surprise that in 2009 Alexander's passionate vision materialized into a beautiful reality his very own film company known to the world as An AE FILM.

Visit anAEfilm.com

While on a trip to the Ivory Coast in Africa he found what he called “a certain spirit that cannot be recreated” so it was only befitting that that kind of inspiration be met with a great film and in this case that film is Abidjan! While many successful people have shared the importance of giving back and paying it forward, Etseyatse’s drive to advance his career has also led him to help those around him. That said, he brought fellow “Made in NY” PAs to West Africa with him to work on the film.

 Abidjan (2010)This film is a fictional story that follows a hesitant young soccer player from Brooklyn, New York to his mother's homeland in Cote D'Ivoire Africa during a summer vacation. Efe, a selfish soccer prodigy learns the value of team play through the eyes of his cousin Stayron.
 

 

 

Abidjan AWARDS:

 

XXVI. Black International Cinema of Berlin Germany, May 2011. *Best Children Film*.

Los Angeles Reel Film Festival, Sept 2010, *Honorable Mention*

The All Sports Los Angeles Film Festival, *Best US Short Film* 

15 minutes of Fame Film Festival, *Best Family Film*
Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood, *Award of Merit*
The International Trailer Film Festival, *Best of Fest*
Made In NY Film Festival, *1st Place Best Film* 

 

 Mikel’s Faith (2011)Mikel's Faith stars prolific filmmaker Alexander Etseyatse as the titular character Mikel. This short film is about Mikel Hill an incarcerated former Golden Glove Champ that is suddenly released from prison. He then tries to restore his former life and confronts his past friends.

 

 

Mikels's Faith AWARDS:
 

The Long Island International film Expo, *The Gold Pass Award* Audience Choice.The Harlem International Film Festival, *Best Narrative Short Film*
San Francisco Black Film Festival "People Choice Award"
Los Angeles Reel Film Festival, *Best Editing* & an *Honorable Mention* 

Urban Media Makers Film Festival, *Honorable Mention* & *Best Set Design*
Los Angeles All Sports Film Festival, *3rd Best Short Film*
Williamsburg International Film Festival, *Award of Merit*
IndieFest Film Festival, *Award of Merit*
Made In NY Alumni Film Festival "3rd Best Long-form Short"
Elmont Film Festival "Best of Fest"
The International Trailer Film Festival *Honorable Mention*

 

 

Abidjan and Mikel's Faith is also now available on Amazon.

 

 & Four One Nine (2012)Two British-Nigerian brothers-- older brother Ade and younger brother Segun-- are involved in an illegal family business. Ade is ending it while Segun wants to do just one more job.

 Four One Nine AWARDS:

 Afrinolly Film Grant
XXVIII Black International Cinema Berlin *Best Film relating to the Black Experience*
Made in NY *Producer Award*


I know some of you may be thinking "Wow! He must have a team of writers, directors, production assistants, editors...etc." I can see why you might feel that way but I think you may find it interesting to know that in 08'/09' Alexander was quite the ONE MAN operation, not only did he handle the pre-production and the production, but the post work, too. However, after years and years of tireless hard work he is both proud & humbled to say that he now has an amazing team that he works with that does a great job!! #TEAMWORKMAKESTHEDREAMWORK


I think it's fair to say that had it not been for his dedication, focus, streamlined vision and consistent work ethic not only would Alexander not have been able to create such great work...I don't think that he would have met other gifted and talented professionals that took him seriously enough to want to work alongside him.


So you see, he's living proof that working hard consistently and paying extreme attention to the details is what can often make the difference between accomplishing your goals & falling short of reaching them. Alexander's example is tangible proof that it can be done and done exceedingly well!


So to all those out there who feel overwhelmed with juggling a hundred task at once...constantly hoping, wishing and praying for a team who's both talented and reliable...stay encouraged and stay on your grind. Do your absolute best with no excuses and you too will be able to enjoy the fruits of your creative labor just like Mr. Etseyatse, President of An AE FILM which is currently in development for their 1st feature film entitled “Otis”. With a 2015 shoot date preschedule, stay tuned for more details.


While he shows no signs of slowing down at all, Etseyatse has somehow managed to find a great balance in pursuing his career and his lifelong dreams. Maybe he can help me with that because I have absolutely no balance...lol.


So on behalf of all dreamers who wake up and make it happen...



THANK YOU Alexander Etseyatse FOR YOU HARD WORK, PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM!!