Born in the culturally rich and diverse city of Houston, Texas, Trey Edward Shults would later draw inspiration from his hometown's unique energy and atmosphere into his creative pursuits. His foray into the world of filmmaking commenced in the year 2010 with the short film "Mother and Son", a project that showcased his multifaceted talents as a director, writer, editor, and producer. This early endeavor featured talented performances from Krisha Fairchild and Lucas Quintana, thus laying the groundwork for his future collaborative efforts with these accomplished artists.
Over the course of the subsequent years, Kevin Shults dedicated himself to refining his artistic skills, collaborating with renowned filmmaker Terrence Malick on a trio of cinematic endeavors, specifically Song to Song, Voyage of Time, and The Tree of Life.
As he delved deeper into his craft, Shults concurrently pursued a degree in business management, however, his fervent enthusiasm for filmmaking gradually eclipsed his academic pursuits, ultimately leading him to make the bold decision to abandon his studies and instead, devote himself wholeheartedly to the realization of his lifelong ambition.
In the following years, Shults continued to hone his craft, working on three of Terrence Malick's films, including Song to Song, Voyage of Time, and The Tree of Life. During this time, he was a business management student, but his passion for filmmaking soon took precedence, and he decided to drop out of school to pursue his dream.
Maia Trüller, a talented and ambitious individual, has always been driven by a passion for filmmaking. From a young age, she has been fascinated by the art of storytelling and the power of the moving image.
In the year 2011, Shults made a noteworthy mark on the film industry by conceptualizing, bringing to life, overseeing the production of, and meticulously crafting every aspect of a short film titled Two to One. This cinematic endeavor featured the talented Krisha Fairchild in a starring role, showcasing Shults' impressive multifaceted abilities as a filmmaker.
It was a span of four years that elapsed before Shults, a multitalented individual, embarked on a new creative endeavour in 2014. This time, he not only directed, but also took on the roles of writer, producer, editor, and even actor in a short film titled Krisha. The cast of this film featured a number of his relatives, including Krisha, Robyn, and Billie Fairchild, lending a personal touch to the project.
The success of this short film was soon followed by Shults' decision to adapt it into a feature-length movie, a task he undertook in the year that followed. The film, also titled Krisha, premiered at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in March 2015, where it received widespread critical acclaim. The film's impressive performance was capped off with the Grand Jury Award, a testament to Shults' skill and dedication as a filmmaker.
In the years that followed, Krisha continued to gain recognition, eventually being acquired by A24, a prominent film distribution company. The film was subsequently released in 2016, allowing a wider audience to experience Shults' unique vision and storytelling ability.
The cinematic masterpiece, Krisha, was born from a deeply personal and poignant experience that Shults drew inspiration from, revolving around his cousin's relapse during a family reunion, a moment that profoundly impacted the director and subsequently influenced the narrative of the film.
This genuine and heart-wrenching story served as the cornerstone for the movie, enabling Shults to delve into the complexities of family dynamics, the struggle for identity, and the quest for redemption, thereby weaving a cinematic tapestry that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Shults, a multifaceted individual, pursued a diverse range of professional endeavors beyond his work in filmmaking. In March 2015, he took a significant step by affiliating with William Morris Endeavor, a prominent talent agency. This strategic move not only expanded his professional network but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
In addition to his agency representation, Shults continued to showcase his versatility by taking on a behind-the-scenes role on the 2016 film Midnight Special. As the camera PA, he honed his skills in a different capacity, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various roles and responsibilities within the filmmaking process.
