My name is Ty Javos. These days, I like to go by actor, director, filmmaker, or writer. But I think I'm meant to be an artist. I'm sure I could fill a book with the journey that brought me here today. Maybe one day I will, but what's important for me to share is that I'm not special. I had a turbulent start to life, but I was always drawn to the arts since I was a kid, doodling when I should have been paying attention in class, acting out dramatically, and getting kicked out of said class. I guess you could say I had a knack for theatrics. Little did they know, that's exactly where I'd end up.
Movies have always been a big part of my life. I was always throwing myself into stories I'd create on my own—playing with toys, putting on costumes, and immersing myself in a story that took me out of my life. Part of that was because this life I was given felt too large. It was scary, and in my imaginary world, I could be the hero or villain I saw myself as.
It wasn't long before someone suggested (or voluntold) me to do something with all this energy and put me in a class to cultivate that imagination. I knew I wanted to make movies since I was a kid, although it didn't start with acting or directing. It started with writing. I didn't really want to go to post-secondary school, but my parents pushed me to do it. I found a course in television production that was somewhat similar to filmmaking. That's where it got serious. But I had a camera in my hands from a young age and was directing the kids in my neighborhood to make shorts. Life finds a way, I guess?
What is it like to work as a creative in this industry? Of all the roles you embrace, is there one you enjoy the most or comes the easiest for you?
People have been telling me this would be difficult for as long as I can remember, but I never truly understood how difficult it would be. I've had many moments of wanting to quit, but to be honest, I just can't. If you know you have a place in this industry and you must create... you will. As for working and making money from my creative pursuits? Let's just say I'm still working on that. I do find my bread and butter in the creating. Above the line positions like writing, directing, and acting when I get the chance. It's always a privilege to work on set, but nothing feels like working on your set.
Do you have any advice or wisdom to share with young people considering a career in the TV/film industry?
Make things. Do the things no one else is willing to do. Write scripts, make short films, be a production assistant for your friend's first feature. Be a background extra. Take a class. Study acting. I always wondered where to start with this whole thing and aimlessly fumbled from project to project and tried to learn things where I could. Most importantly, just start. Pick something you love and try to follow others who have paved the way before you. Side note: Having a mentor that can guide you can save you a lot of frustration.
On June 23rd, you'll be showcasing a series of short films at The Cinematheque on Howe Street called I'm Seeing Things. Where did the inspiration for these shorts arise, and what was the journey like to bring them to completion?
Ironically enough, all these films were made having nothing to do with one another. But looking back at them now, seeing the through line... they're all connected. Yes, I made them, but they speak to a larger message. I've always been in pain, hurting, wanting to connect with others on the other side of the glass. Maybe this is my way of communicating. Maybe someone will see this and say, "Oh, you're hurting? I'm hurting too. But this spoke to me in some way, and now I feel a little less alone." And then maybe we can have a real conversation. I guess these films came out of a deep existential need to scream out, "Yes, I am here and I do indeed have something to say."
Can you share a bit on the themes explored in these short films?
Most of these projects came out of my journey with addiction. I suffered as an oblivion drinker for years, and that self-destruction almost got the best of me. Addiction really touches on every aspect of the human experience for me: love, death, connection, isolation. "A Cast of Shade," one of my more recent projects, speaks on being raised as a male in today's society. It came out of a lack of expression... "Do I have a voice in this new era?" I think males have been taught to quiet those inner feelings and resort to some sort of stoic wall to deal with their feelings. I experienced trauma and shame that pushed me away from the very people I wanted to reach out to. This short takes a metaphorical look at that very situation set in a genre fantasy film.
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| Scene from Violent Skin (2024) |
What is the one most important bit of knowledge you hope viewers take away from watching I'm Seeing Things?
Our darkest days can become our greatest gifts. Our pain connects us to others. It gave me empathy to walk into a whole new world and try to understand that I am not the epicenter of the universe and that we truly are better together. I'm hurting deep down. I think there's a sorrow that wants to be forgotten, but it worked itself into some truly unique film. If I was able to do something useful, maybe someone else can be inspired to reach for their dreams as well. I'd hate for anyone in my audience to live a life unfulfilled.
To The End Official Trailer
Tickets are available on Eventbrite. I know it's been a tough year, so I made the event free to attend.
Is there anything else you'd like to share in closing?
If you're struggling, thinking of hurting yourself, questioning it all... try to reaching out to me. I've been there. I want to hear your story, and more importantly, I want to listen.
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