A podcast about identity, storytelling, and building creative work that lasts. Hosted by filmmaker and creative strategist Maris Lidaka, each episode explores the spaces in-between — the in-between of culture, memory, race, and creativity.
This is a slow media studio journal:
• Audio essays
• Behind-the-scenes reflections
• Lessons from filmmaking and storytelling across the world
• Creative systems for staying grounded in a chaotic industry
Whether we’re talking about building an archive, filming in LA, or what it means to be mixed in America — this is a space for stories that outlast trends.
If you care about creativity, culture, or telling better stories — this is for you.
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Follow the journey of Concrete River -
After many months, I just got news that my debut feature film will be shooting in a few months. In this video, I cover how we got to this point and what that means for the future ahead.
00:00 - Intro
01:45 - Feature Film Backstory
05:35 - Overcoming Fear
11:11 - Planning Ahead
13:38 - A Last Blessing
16:07 - The Road Ahead
ABOUT THIS SHOW
I’m Maris Lidaka — filmmaker, creator, and thought leader. I’m documenting the journey of building a sustainable creative career while producing my feature film Concrete River and exploring what it means to be a Sovereign Creator in the new creator economy. This channel is for filmmakers and creators who want to build meaningful work outside the traditional industry — work that matters, work that lasts, and work that only you can make.
Get full access to The Sovereign Creator at marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe (https://marislidaka.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
6 Jul 2026
Withdrawal - Aaron Strand is Screening in Los Angeles
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13 Jun 2026
Why Your Film Needs Better Design (Concrete River Case Study)
Links & Resources:
* Concrete River Pitch Deck (Original vs. Updated): https://blendedfutureproject.com/product/concrete-river-pitch-decks/
* My Substack: https://marislidaka.substack.com/
* Coffee House Cinema:
* Concrete River Website: https://www.concreterivermovie.com/
Description: Design is the “opening shot” of your movie getting made. In this video, I dive into why filmmakers need to take design seriously, from your pitch deck and website to the events you host. I show the before and after of the pitch deck for my feature film ‘Concrete River’ and how hiring a professional designer completely changed the game for attracting interest and investment. And also how the other elements of your website and event add into the overall reception of your work.
00:00 Intro
02:56 Emphasize Design
05:38 Comparing Old vs New Pitch Deck
17:13 Why Websites Are Important
22:14 Creating Great Live Events
26:35 Conclusion
Key Topics:
* The power of a professional pitch deck: A detailed comparison of my original vs. updated ‘Concrete River’ deck.
* Why your website is your audience-building engine (and the importance of owning your email list).
* Creating curated experiences: Lessons in event design from corporate worlds and local cinema.
* Practical tips for high-quality design on an independent budget.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes
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Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
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