A 70-year old Lebanese immigrant finds happiness and community through a hobby he discovers late in life.

Interview with Director/Producer/Editor Brett Nicoletti

Watch The Running Man of Pasadena here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was intrigued by this colorful, gregarious, older man who I saw running all over Pasadena. After driving by him regularly for 10 years, I finally approached him to learn his story.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This is a story about a refugee from Lebanon who had an American Dream and achieved it. It is a message to all of us that this dream still exists, and reminds us that we must protect it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Haik Zakarian is the most positive-minded man I have ever met. His optimistic outlook is a reminder that we can all be happy, no matter the circumstances.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

When I first decided to make this film, I was mainly interested in Haik as a runner. I wanted to know his secrets – how he achieved such endurance as a runner with such consistency. As I learned more about Haik, I realized that this story is not about running, it's about his American Dream and his incredibly positive approach towards life.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has only been screened once as a Sneak Preview and privately with friends and family. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has surprised and energized me.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I hope that this film reaches as many viewers as possible.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Most importantly, I wanted to tell Haik's story in a way that he, himself would be proud of the film. Haik has obviously seen the film and is very happy with it. Beyond that, I am very excited to share Haik's story with the world, but particularly with the people of Pasadena. He is a bit of a local celebrity and I know that there are a lot of Crown City residents who are curious about him. I hope that they walk away from this film the way they always do when they see him in person, with a smile.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What does this film teach us about the value of community?

Would you like to add anything else?

After all is said and done, the greatest gift this film has given me is Haik's friendship.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I continue to work as a freelance editor in the commercial world while I begin development on my next Documentary. This is a feature film that I am currently writing a treatment for and hope to have producers and/or investors involved by this summer. Shelly Gurzi, my cinematographer, is currently working on a TV Show.

Interview: February 2019

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

The Running Man of Pasadena

A 70-year old Lebanese immigrant finds happiness and community through a hobby he discovers late in life.

Length: 11:23

Director: Brett Nicoletti

Producer: Brett Nicoletti

About the writer, director and producer:

BRETT NICOLETTI spent the first 20 years of his career as an Editor working on Films, TV Shows and Commercials with some of the top Advertising Agencies, Production Companies and Directors in the world. As a Filmmaker, Brett strives to make Documentaries that shine a light on people and organizations who are having a positive impact on their communities. He lives in Pasadena, CA with his loving wife Sacha and their 2 children Luca and Nate.

Key cast: Haik Zakarian (Principle)

Looking for: distributors, producers

Facebook: The Running Man of Pasadena

Instagram: @pasadenarunningman

Other: IMDB

Made in association with: Smile Films

Funders: Self-Funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Santa Barbara International Film Festival