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Anthony Di Mieri on Going Viral, Indie Film, and Reinventing Political Media in NYC

An onstage conversation introduces filmmaker Anthony Di Mieri and traces his decade-spanning path across comedy, politics, and independent cinema. Anthony describes discovering filmmaking as a child using his mom’s camcorder, being influenced by a theatrical Italian American family, and early projects ranging from kung fu and zombie ideas to homemade teen films. After being rejected from NYU film twice, he shifted toward politics and activism, studying political science at Fordham, interning at Democracy Now with Amy Goodman, and learning editing and videography while filming figures like Noam Chomsky. He then worked in advertising, where he met and apprenticed under filmmaker Jason Klein, learned directing and auditions, and gained time to write and create.

The conversation follows Anthony's long collaboration with Kareem Rahma, beginning when Rahma reached out after seeing “Bros.” They developed projects together, including writing a feature script about animal influencers (“To Be Frank”), making sketch comedy, and later working on Rahma’s “Keep the Meter Running,” which evolved into the viral one-minute subway interview series “Subway Takes.” He shares behind-the-scenes details, early format debates about vertical video, favorite episodes, and the show’s rapid growth, including prominent fans and international travel.

Anthony also details how his filmmaking skills transitioned into political media: he co-founded Melted Solids and began producing campaign videos for progressive candidates after being inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s style of authentic political media. Starting with Rafael Espinal’s campaign, the team expanded to races like Jamal Bowman’s and then began working closely with New York City politician Zoran Mamdani through his Astoria campaign, the “Fix the MTA” legislative campaign, and eventually a larger mayoral run. Anthony describes the campaign’s mix of humor and on-the-street authenticity, including interviews across boroughs, SantaCon footage, and a video visiting small donors at their homes. He recounts how viral videos—especially interviews with Trump voters discussing issues like Gaza and anti-war perceptions—hit a nerve after the 2024 election and circulated widely.

Additional threads include Anthony's directorial debut feature “Love New York,” which won Best Feature at the Bowery Film Festival, and his upcoming horror-comedy-romance “Romance Never Dies.” He reflects on emotionally intense moments around the campaign’s primary night and later celebration, as well as Bernie Sanders giving the team an impromptu pep talk emphasizing the revolutionary power of social media. The episode closes with Anthony advising aspiring filmmakers to build and participate in community, describing independent film as a “favor economy,” and crediting friends and collaborators for helping make “Love New York” possible through volunteer support, location help, and grassroots fundraising.

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FAM Podcast: The Evolution of a Musical Maestro - An Interview with Pedram, Multi-instrumentalist and Producer

Welcome to the FAM Podcast where we delve into the creative minds shaping New York City's vibrant cultural landscape. In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Pedram, a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for fusing British classical music with contemporary electronic sounds. Pedram shares his journey from composing classical piano pieces as a teenager to creating innovative music with his dynamic jazz-house duo, STELLA., alongside Meg Brennan. Discover how Pedram's early experiences, including his move from Iran to the U.S., shaped his unique approach to music. Learn about his seamless transition from classical to jazz and electronic music, his creative process, and the philosophy driving STELLA. and their captivating live performances. Pedram also shares valuable advice for upcoming composers and producers in today's ever-evolving musical landscape.

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Debra Rapoport: Fearless Creativity, Advanced Style, and the Art of Self-Expression

In this engaging conversation, Debra Rapoport, a celebrated icon of fearless creativity, discusses her journey of over 50 years in redefining everyday objects as wearable art. Debra emphasizes the importance of self-expression over fashion, the significance of sustainability long before it became a trend, and her involvement in the Advanced Style Movement. Sharing personal stories from her childhood and career, she highlights the critical role of creativity, community, and communication in living a fulfilled life. Rapoport also sheds light on her unique ABC method (Assembling, Building, Constructing) and the therapeutic nature of her artistic process, encouraging everyone to embrace their authentic selves and nurture their creative spirits.

00:53 Debra's Philosophy on Creativity and Fashion

02:23 Childhood Influences and Early Creativity

04:38 The Advanced Style Movement

09:08 Personal Style vs. Fashion

12:42 Mentorship and Education

16:45 Sustainability and Found Materials

18:38 The Hunt for Metal Treasures

19:03 The Relationship with Materials

20:55 The ABC Method: Assembling, Building, Constructing

22:08 Color as a Vibration and Energy

24:42 Frugality and Creativity

28:50 The Advanced Style Movement

33:42 Creative Aging and Self-Care

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🎥 Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/57.fam

📧 Contact:
For collaborations or inquiries, email us at fam@fiftyseven.nyc