Filmmaker Profile: The Jasper's Experience by Jake Bakirdan
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
Experience a night in New York City’s wildest deli.
Jake Bakirdan is Turkish-American actor, filmmaker, and producer from the Bronx. Jake is currently the Director of Operations at Wrecking Crew Pictures, his production company. He and his team are always striving to tell stories that are real, gritty, and deserve to be heard. Whether in front of or behind the camera, Jake is always happy to be on set working, making connections, and telling the stories that need to be told.
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JAKE BAKIRDAN
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
What inspired me to create The Jasper's Experience was growing up around this neighborhood and witnessing both the chaos of the block and the love that so many people have for Jasper's. I have seen crowds in the hundreds on this block all gathered in and around Jasper's. The deli brings together many different walks of life, often times causing clashes between the students from the nearby college, locals from other parts of the city, and neighborhood locals who have fought to get a sandwich on the deli's menu. Seeing these groups coexist and, oftentimes clash made every late night trip to Jasper's an event in and of itself. I wanted to tell the story of Jasper's and show others what it is to experience a night at Jasper's Deli, and highlight the uniqueness of the business.
Describe who you want this film to reach.
I'm not sure that when making this film I had a target demographic in mind. I knew that as a new york native, this deli was unlike any other I had been to, and I definitely wanted to show other new yorkers what makes the deli so special. Whenever I would have friends from other boroughs come up and visit, I would oftentimes find myself saying "we have to go to Jasper's one night" and telling people some of the wild stories I have from my visits to Jasper's. However, as I was making the film, I also thought about people who have never been to the city, or those who have visited but only experienced a small, touristy representation of nyc. I think that the deli is not only unique when compared to other delis in nyc, it also portrays a slice of life in the bronx that I think many, whether locals or not, will be intrigued by. That being said, the film was not made for anyone in specific, I simply wanted to highlight and show love to a deli that I and many others in my community have called home.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
Definitely learning Rocco's story and seeing how much he sacrificed and also how much he has provided for the community over the years. Going into the film, I intended to highlight Jasper's from the perspective of someone who has been both a spectator of the drunken chaos and also a member of said chaos. However, upon my first interview with Rocco, it added a deeper layer to the film for me. I had always known Rocco and he was always looking out for the neighborhood kids, overseeing his kingdom from behind the counter. But once I got to know him through the interviews I realized just how much he gave up when he immigrated to this country, and he himself pointed out the dichotomy between his upbringing as a devout muslim, as well as the fact that he still practices, and he noted to me during filming he is constantly surrounded by drunk people, without ever having had a a drop of alcohol. He also noted that seeing the drunken patrons has definitely convinced him to continue abstaining from alcohol.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
Actually finishing the thing. Even now, I think about things that I missed, or locals I wish I interviewed, or even just some of the footage that didn't end up making the final cut. With documentary, the story is told through the edit and during the post process, I had so many different interviews and moments I wanted to include but just couldn't find the space narratively for them. I still have moments today where I will be around Jasper's at night and wish the camera was rolling.
What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?
Maybe this doesn't answer the question, but what I would say is make something you like. Maybe it seems like an obvious anecdote, but during the filmmaking process, especially if there are many hands on deck and expectations from a client or a studio, your own story or project can become one that you no longer resonate with. I think that by understanding yourself and what sorts of films/stories you enjoy, it will allow you to better tell your stories how you want them to be told. At the end of the day, it's your film, your story.
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
