The Filmmakers of Kanashimi
Michael Horwitz
Writer/Director
An LA native and an award winning filmmaker, Michael’s work has screened in such festivals as Sundance, Cannes (at the Emerging Filmmaker’s Showcase), Israel and Berlin. His last film, Tzeva Adom: Color Red won several Best Short Film awards and was selected by NBC/Universal as one of the top 15 short films in 2018. Michael directed several episodes of the hit digital series “Movies for America” for Tribune Media. His work spans two decades and can be seen on major TV networks, gaming platforms and has been distributed globally.
Johanna Haneda
Cultural Consultant
Singer, performer, TV Host and cultural creative producer from Tokyo, Japan. Johanna was raised in a family of historical hotels and Japanese cuisine. She debuted as a recording artist in 1988 from Sony Records. She relocated to Los Angeles in 2011 where she established her own vocal style - Zen Meditation healing property. Influnenced by Japanese traditional Noh, SHIMAI and UTAI (dance and singing) Portuguese music. Johanna is serving as the cultural consultant on Kanashimi.
Todd Felderstein
Producer
An award winning film and theater producer, for over 20 years Todd has worked with such studios as SONY and Marvel along with a host of independent production houses in both narrative and non-fiction storytelling. A producer on TZEVA ADOM: COLOR RED, Todd is thrilled by the film’s global acclaim. In March of 2020 Todd founded the online digital stage SMARTPHONE THEATER featuring high accomplished Broadway and Hollywood talent - all produced during the shutdown of live venues. Todd also produces and hosts “A Conversation With” an online series which now features Alan Arkin, Mark Rydell, Lou Antonio, Assad Kelada and Howard Storm
Christina Ray
Art Director
Christina Roseann Ray is a multi-media artist living in Los Angeles. She lends her talents to the film and television industry creating unique looks for each project. Recent work ranges from hand painted billboards to music videos to feature films. In addition to working behind the scenes, you can see her on Season 2 of Animal Cribs on Animal Planet, as well as in commercials for products like Google and Lobos Tequila.
Daniel Button
Cinematographer
Daniel Button is an up and coming cinematographer already making a name for himself on the indie film scene. He starting out in front of the camera and moved behind the camera to have shot a number of commercials, music videos, TV pilots, short and feature films. In addition to being a passionate, visual storyteller, he is also an avid rock climber.
Sharon Farber
Music
Sharon hails from Israel and is a four time Emmy nominated film & TV composer. She is a member of the Academy Motion Picture Arts & Sciences music branch. Her music has been heard in dozens of feature films and TV series and she has worked with networks like NBC, CBS, WB, Netflix and Amazon. Her most recent score for the documentary feature BRAIN-WASHED: Sex, Camera & Power was an official selection to the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and the score was recorded with a full live orchestra in Los Angeles. Another recent collaboration was with Oscar nominated songwriter Diane Warren on a musical piece in support of the Covid-19 solidarity Response Fund. The piece, “I’m Standing With You”, featured more than 170 musical artists from around the world.
Fran Harvey
Producer
An LA based creative executive with over 25 years of industry experience, Fran has a successful track record in TV & film marketing and promotions as well as business development. Recent projects include creative direction on campaigns for YouTube, Google, FOX and Sony’s anime streamer “Crunchyroll”. He currently serves as the VP of creative partnerships at a global production agency in El Segundo, CA.
Shane Free
Editor
Shane is an Oscar-winning editor in the making and he brings over 18 years of experience working in Hollywood as an editor for countless trailers and TV spots for major blockbuster video games and movies. His work has won numerous awards from the film trailer industry. Shane is also an accomplished short filmmaker in his own right, having been a top finalist in the high profile “Project Greenlight” filmmaking contest for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Shane is now the owner of his own creative agency, Freestyle Media based in New York.