Milutis Film + Media

Published by Culinary Backstreets:

“Meet Me in Yusufpaşa” is a short documentary that tells the stories of Syrian, Iraqi and Palestinian migrants through the food of Istanbul’s Yusufpaşa neighborhood and the restaurants that bind the communities together.

From the article I wrote accompanying the video on Culinary Backstreets: “By the summer of 2018, my Syrian friend Yaman and I were in the habit of going to an unremarkable-looking coffee shop across from the Yusufpaşa tram stop called Mavi Café, where we would sit on tiny plastic chairs on the sidewalk, talking to the young Syrians working and hanging out. With Yaman as translator, I was able to hear the stories of their journeys to Istanbul – the struggles, suffering and perseverance that brought them to where they were now. When Ahmet, one of the managers of the café, took me inside to show me their process of making coffee the way Syrians like it best, I understood how important this tiny little café was: It was recreating home for those who left everything behind. That was when I decided to make a film about the neighborhood – about the people, their stories and the food (and coffee) that brings everyone together.”

Published by the Atlantic:

The story of 22-year-old Taher, who was eight-years-old in Baghdad at the start of the American invasion of Iraq. He grew up knowing only life in conflict, and instead of becoming one of Iraq's "Lost Generation" - young adults in Iraq facing a future with no employment or opportunities - he decided to move to Istanbul where he could follow his dream to become a rapper on the global stage, representing Iraqis and giving them a voice through this lyrics. Produced, directed, shot and edited by Tara Milutis.

From the accompanying interview in the Atlantic: “For Milutis, Raad’s story is a microcosm of the experience of an entire generation of young Iraqis—some of whom, like Raad, now live outside of the country. ‘What Americans forget is that the Iraq War not only destroyed the country, but robbed the generation who grew up in it of a future,’ Milutis told The Atlantic. “So not only did they have to suffer in the war, but when they came of age, there was nothing for them. The war has created a generation in limbo.”

Published by the Atlantic:

Three days after the Reina nightclub attack in Istanbul, a group of young writers and poets meet in Taksim Square to support freedom of speech and to express themselves about the ongoing conflict in Turkey. Produced, directed, shot and edited by Tara Milutis.

There are an estimated 8,000 urban refugees seeking asylum in Bangkok. Thailand considers them illegal immigrants regardless of having U.N. refugee status so they remain mostly hidden and scrape by on odd jobs and donations. Urban Refugee: Bangkok tells the story of this community living in the shadows of Bangkok, waiting in limbo for another chance at life.

A short documentary by Tara Milutis featuring Dwight Turner of the Courageous Kitchen and In Search of Sanuk and his work assisting Bangkok's most vulnerable asylum seekers.

A short news piece taken from the longer video Urban Refugee: Bangkok

“Christmas in Karen State” — a short documentary on a Jesuit priest’s Christmas visit to a Black Zone village in Karen State.

"The Karen of Huay Tong", a documentary by Tara Milutis. Original music by Dominick Boyle.

Nestled deep in the mountains of northern Thailand lies the Sgaw Karen ethnic minority village of Huay Tong. A vibrant tight-knit community where Animism, Buddhism and Christianity can be found side by side and ancient traditions coexist with the modern world. The past is connected to the present like a golden thread through the singing of the Thaa, a thousand-year-old tradition that is being lost amongst the new generation. The knowledge of natural medicine, and the art of weaving are also at risk of fading into history. Yet with so many dramatic changes happening, the community comes together through a shared belief in what matters most in life. And as you discover what the Karen of Huay Tong hold true above all else, you may reflect upon your life and discover what matters most to you.

Official trailer for VIETNAMESE GIRL, a feature documentary by Tara Milutis that explores the lives of a group of Vietnamese and ethnic minority women caught between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future. The film screened at a number of international film festivals from Kathmandu to New York City.

Si's House is a short documentary by Tara Milutis about an ex-sex worker in Thailand who turned her life around and became a house mother to refugee families in Bangkok. (ARCHIVE)

A short documentary made by Tara Milutis to help raise funds for a remote medical clinic in Myanmar's Karen State, that profiles the work of Father Vinai Boonlue - an ethnic Karen Jesuit priest who does aid work in the region. (ARCHIVE)