Kirk Palayan

Kirk Palayan has written and produced several dramatic films. He wrote and produced a short film, LABYRINTH (2000), which was lauded for being "a powerful parable on drug abuse" at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. He also helped to write BARSTOW (2003) which was chosen to play at the Toronto International Teen Movie Festival. The "Best Thriller" and "Most Promising Director" awards were given to his short film DISSOCIATIVE (2008) which he wrote and produced. His first feature film, which he also helped to produce, BHOPALI (2011), was recognized by the Slamdance Film Festival as the Best Overall Documentary and Audience Favorite Documentary. He is part of the Los Angeles King Middle School Gifted Technology Arts Magnet Program and created the 2D/3D Animation program. He has won numerous awards for his animation curriculum and his students have been recognized for their 3D Animation work for over 9 years by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. He also established the Animation & Film Festival, which is in its 18th year and highlights some of the best work from student filmmakers and animators in the Los Angeles Unified School District.