Matthew Long of DTLA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Matthew Long. Check out our conversation below.

Matthew, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m forever a work in progress in this area, but more and more I’ve been feeling the call to speak out against the injustice and inequality that is plaguing our nation right now. To use my voice, my privilege (as a straight, cis, white male) to amplify & support more marginalized voices speaking out on issues of social justice. My daily walk, my social media, my ART– especially– are now all trained towards this goal.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a screenwriter and indie filmmaker bouncing between Los Angeles and Mendocino writing scripts.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think fear, hate & ignorance are the main things that break the bonds between people. And I believe that ART can be a huge catalyst for restoring these bonds. Because when we experience art– especially when we encounter it together (like we do with movies)– we have this special opportunity to feel seen.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s a cliche (because it’s true), but I would tell my younger self to not worry so much about what other people think.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the bigger lies the entertainment industry tells itself is that likes & views & money are somehow 1-to-1 indicators of what is good, what is good art, what is quality, and what is success.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
It may have taken a little while, but for the past couple decades I’ve been doing what I was born to do (making films, making art)– instead of what I was told to do (be practical).

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Liz Hartman Sitaraman How we start our day is so important to set the tone-

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season