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Born in Slovakia on February 13, 1982, Martin Kandra first studied to be an electrician, but always felt his passion was cinematography. In 2002, with only £50 in his pocket and without any English language skills he moved to London. Martin learned English out of children’s books with the goal of obtaining a higher education in a foreign language. The following few years presented him with the opportunity to work in the fashion industry, hospitality, event management and as a land surveyor, while staying dedicated to his goal of becoming a film director.
In 2007 he was accepted to the University of Westminster, after which he continued as a foreign exchange student at the University of Tampa in Florida. Martin demonstrated his potential when his short film, Don’t Make Me Wait, was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009. In 2014 Martin received a scholarship from Sam Houston State University and decided to enroll in the Masters Program in Social Media Platforms and Film Production.
That year proved to be the most challenging, but also one of the most fruitful times of his life. After an accident confined him to a wheelchair through his first semester at SHSU he returned to Slovakia, where he met Peter Nunez, the producer of Dancing With The Stars. Nunez offered him the opportunity of a lifetime. He was hired to establish a youth education program in film production, taught in English, at St. Francis from Assisi high school in Bratislava. While there, Kandra made his feature film debut as the writer and director of Karol’s Message, a teenage drama about the effects of bullying.
Martin now lives in Los Angeles where he continues to pursue his directing career. He believes that “life is the best author” and that every experience is an opportunity. This has certainly been the case in his journey.
Wrote and directed feature film Karol's Message as my Masters' theses project.
Exchange student from the University of Westminster for three semesters. While there wrote and directed short film Don't Make Me Wait... which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Activities and Societies: 48HFF, FILM SOCIETY
A troubled 14 year old boy, bullied at school, discovers new strength and self confidence when his caring grandfather teaches him about the courage and faith of the young Karol Vojtila, the priest who would become Pope, John Paul II.
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