On today’s episode, we welcome David Powers, a filmmaker whose journey into the industry proves that there is no single roadmap into cinema—only curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn by doing. David’s path didn’t begin in film school or on a studio lot. It started with a fascination for movies, professional wrestling, and the simple question every filmmaker eventually asks: how do they make this?
Originally studying business and marketing, David found himself increasingly disconnected from a traditional academic path. Movies—especially horror and cult cinema—became his gateway into understanding storytelling, tone, and genre. That curiosity deepened after attending the New York Asian Film Festival for the first time, where he was exposed to films, filmmakers, and storytelling traditions he’d never encountered before. Watching these movies didn’t just entertain him—it ignited a desire to understand what was happening behind the camera.
Rather than returning to school, David took advice that changed everything: go to set and learn the job firsthand. Within months, he found himself working on productions, absorbing how crews function, how decisions are made, and how problems are solved in real time. That hands-on education quickly led him into production work with independent professional wrestling promotions, where he learned camera operation, coverage, and storytelling under pressure—often from ladders, scaffolding, or whatever setup was available.
Those early experiences taught David a lesson many filmmakers learn the hard way: waiting for perfect conditions is a trap. Early shoots were done with borrowed or outdated gear, but the work got made. Feedback came fast and sometimes blunt, but it shaped his instincts. Each mistake became a tool, not a setback. As David puts it, filmmaking teaches you how to fail—and how to get better because of it.
Alongside set work, David began volunteering with the New York Asian Film Festival, initially helping wherever he could. Over time, that consistency turned into trust, and trust turned into responsibility. Today, he serves as Operations Manager for the festival, helping coordinate events, guests, screenings, and logistics. His rise within the organization wasn’t fueled by ambition alone—it came from showing up, asking for more responsibility, and genuinely caring about the experience of both filmmakers and audiences.
The conversation also explores burnout—an inevitable topic for anyone who has worked long days on low-budget sets. David speaks candidly about projects where poor planning, miscommunication, or ego made the work unsustainable. Over time, he learned the importance of saying no, reading contracts carefully, and trusting his instincts. Experience taught him that not every opportunity is worth taking, and longevity requires discernment as much as passion.
Yet stepping back didn’t mean walking away. Through the festival, David stayed connected to cinema in a healthier, more meaningful way—curating experiences, supporting filmmakers, and keeping the creative spark alive. Recently, he’s returned to directing through NYAFF Chat, a talk-show-style series that keeps the festival engaged year-round and puts him back behind the camera with renewed clarity.
Ultimately, David Powers represents the filmmaker who learns by moving, not waiting. His story is a reminder that film careers are built sideways as often as they are built forward—and that sometimes the path back to creativity begins with protecting your love for the craft.
