Julia Freij is a writer and film director. She is proud of her Middle Eastern heritage and is self-described as “not as scary as she looks.”
Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct and unique member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUGStyle is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.
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“I just graduated from Salt Lake Community College as a film major, specifically in directing. And I’m also I’m an independent film maker,” says Freij. “While still in school I filmed one short film and then two “visualettes.” They’re not short films, they’re not long enough to be short films, but they’re visualettes. And I’m really proud of all of them and I financed all of them myself.” Photo: @clancycoop
“I’m working on editing a short film I shot in November right now, It just examines the relationship between us and our chosen sin.” says Freij. “I’m not religious, but I do think that the seven deadly sins are really fascinating. I like to examine the human psyche. I think that’s more interesting than action flicks, but John Wick and his dog is great.” Photo: @clancycoop
“So when I was young I would sit and I would re watch movie that I love like 1,000 times,” says Freij. “My parents are academics. My dad works for the state department and my mom works for the University of Utah and they’d be like, “Why are you watching that movie? You’ve seen it 1,000 times.” And I’m like, “Yeah, but you see something new every time you watch it.” Photo: @clancycoop
“I like to provoke … I love Lars Von Trier,” says Freij. “Kicked out of Cannes, re-entered into Cannes. His film was not rated ’cause they thought it was too grotesque. The House That Jack Built, go watch it.” Photo: @clancycoop
“I want to make documentaries and feature films,” says Freij. “I love playing with people’s perception of reality. And that’s something that Werner Herzog does masterfully. And just his freedom in the form of film making. That like it can be whatever you want it to be. You can break all the rules. And if you believe in it enough, someone else might be on your level. And that’s what’s satisfying.” Photo: @clancycoop
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