How to Make a Pearl

For 53 years, John Kapellas enjoyed the bright sky of the western US but one day he started to burn, blister and break out in rashes whenever he was exposed to light. Now allergic to the entire spectrum of light, Kapellas has spent the last decade living in complete darkness.

“How to Make a Pearl” is a Guardian Documentaries film. The film was screened in competition at IDFA, CIFF, and DOC NYC, among other festivals. The documentary short was nominated for an IDA award and a Student Academy Award in 2017, named a Vimeo Staff Pick, and won a Lovie Award in 2018.

Credits

Directed & Produced By Jason Hanasik

Executive Producers: Charlie Phillips and Minette Nelson

Creative Advisors: Orlando Bagwell, Spencer Nakasako and Mark Berger

Cinematography, Sound, & Editing: Jason Hanasik

Audio Post Production: Berkeley Sound Artists

Recording Mixer: James LeBrecht

Sound Effects Editor: Bijan Sharifi

Dialogue Editor: Erik Reimers

Assistant Sound Editor: William Sammons

Color Correction: Gary Coates and Chris O’Dea

Technical Advisors: Chris O’Dea, Mike Shen and Jamie Lejeune

Music : “Medicine Man” - Written By Daniel Goldstein, John Kapellas. Performed by John Kapellas

Additional Support: The Filmmaker Fund, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Berkeley Film Foundation, Black Magic Design