Gregori Viens, a dual national of France and the United States, made his debut into the world in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, yet it was in the City of Light, Paris, where the formative years of his life unfolded, shaping his identity and laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Following the culmination of his academic pursuits in the field of sociology at the renowned Université de Paris, the individual in question made the decision to return to the Golden State, where he proceeded to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA.
As the years went by, he decided to further his educational pursuits, opting to enroll in a Master of Fine Arts degree program with a concentration in Film at Syracuse University, thereby embarking on a new and exciting chapter in his academic trajectory.
At the tender age of twenty-four, a milestone that typically marks the beginning of adulthood, Viens took a bold step into the world of filmmaking by making his directorial debut with a feature-length documentary of great significance and cultural importance. The documentary, titled "Island of Roses, The Jews of Rhodes," was a labor of love that premiered to a receptive audience in the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
A renowned educator, he has had the distinction of instructing both undergraduate and graduate-level film courses at a multitude of esteemed academic institutions, specifically including the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, Occidental College, and Loyola Marymount University, all located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
Henry Phillips, a talented individual, co-wrote a feature comedy with a prominent filmmaker in the year 2009. This collaborative effort, titled "Punching the Clown," received widespread critical acclaim from esteemed critics and aficionados of the film industry.
The 2016 cinematic endeavour, aptly titled "Punching Henry", made its highly anticipated world premiere at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, a renowned platform that showcases the most innovative and cutting-edge works in the industry.
This remarkable film went on to receive the esteemed Story Award from the International Screenwriters Association at the esteemed Chicago Comedy Film Festival, a testament to its exceptional storytelling and narrative prowess.
Noted anthropologist and artist, Viens has had the privilege of traversing the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultural landscapes, and cultivating a profound understanding of the world's complexities.
He has resided in France, where the rich tapestry of artistic expression and avant-garde movements have undoubtedly influenced his creative endeavors.
In the United States, he has been exposed to the vibrant melting pot of cultures, fostering a unique blend of perspectives and artistic styles.
His travels to Latin America, specifically Nicaragua and Chile, have allowed him to delve into the rich cultural heritage of these nations, embracing the warm hospitality and the rhythmic beats of the region.
Furthermore, his time in Eastern Africa, particularly in Djibouti, has provided him with a profound appreciation for the resilience and beauty of the African continent, its people, and their stories.
This extensive exposure to various cultures has not only broadened his artistic palette but also deepened his understanding of the intricate web of human experiences, allowing him to craft a distinct and captivating artistic voice.
