TINKER

  • a Personal documentary REVEALING the mind of my father through the work he creates.

    Winter 2026 Release

  • Many Lives

    Musician, novelist, and computer engineer. Taxi driver, amateur physicist, and David Bowie impersonator. My father, Clinton, lived many lives even before I came into the world. Although he raised me, much of my father is still a mystery to me. Now that I’m an adult, I have the chance to get to know him as a person.

  • FULL PICTURE

    This project will synthesize his parts into a full picture. Alongside myself, the audience will come to understand how Clinton went from his rocky upbringing and his wild years to being settled down with children.

  • LEGACY

    He is also an aging man. Eventually, I won’t get to hear his stories anymore. He will no longer be able to listen to music, to cook, or to watch sunsets with his partner. This reality is the hardest for me to acknowledge. Through making this documentary, I hope to make peace with that fact, while showing my audience the value in getting to know your parents as people. Even if you’re not a child anymore, there are still many lessons to be learned from them.

THE CHARACTERS

  • Clinton

    An eccentric artist, computer engineer, precise carpenter, musician, writer, pack rat, and maniacal genius. He is constantly working on several projects at once, ranging from building furniture and crafting light fixtures to composing music and designing network builds.

  • GEO

    Clinton’s life partner. They are a master problem-solver with a compassionate soul and a talent for organization. When Clinton gets stuck, Geo is the one who pulls him out. The mastermind behind the house projects.

  • THE HOUSE

    My childhood home. We’ve been living here since 2003. Clinton is responsible for destruction, like cutting down and uprooting several trees, to creation, like building 2 storage sheds in our field. The other focus is restoration; the house is from the 1870s, including original brick and rotting windows. It’s a lot of work for one man to take on.

PROCESS

Filmed over the course of 3 years, capturing countless hours of footage, including dad working on projects, stories from his past, and the house throughout the seasons - this is my first attempt making a feature documentary on my own. My previous experience has all been on crews of 5-50 people.

It’s an entirely new skillset, being your own director, producer, editor, and cinematographer. Despite the difficulties, this solo process has been very educational and empowering. I’m learning hands-on how to refine my style and engage authentically with my subjects.

This project has helped me confront thoughts surrounding my father’s life and legacy with surprising compassion. The opportunity learn more about who my father is has been invaluable to be as an artist, a person, and a daughter. I can’t wait to share it with the world.