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In this episode of 33 Conversations, Michael Abney sits down with filmmaker and editor Maris Lidaka, founder of the Blended Future Project, to explore the changing landscape of storytelling.

Maris shares how growing up between cultures shaped his perspective on representation, identity, and the stories that rarely get told in mainstream media. The conversation explores how the traditional Hollywood model is shifting, how algorithms have become the new gatekeepers, and why independent creators must build their own systems to survive.

Key themes discussed include:

• Authentic storytelling in the age of algorithms
• The difference between making art and chasing attention
• Why specificity creates powerful storytelling
• Building systems that support creativity and sustainability
• The future of independent media and creator communities

This episode is for filmmakers, founders, creators, and storytellers navigating the noise of modern content platforms while trying to preserve meaning in their work.

If you're building something meaningful in the world — and wondering how to sustain it — this conversation offers perspective, strategy, and inspiration.