Michael Kleven and Elke Hautala

Michael Kleven and Elke Hautala met documenting the work of glass blowing artist Preston Singletary four years ago. They realized an almost immediate creative synergy and passion for the filmmaking process. Both Michael and Elke began their professional careers as performing artists and decided to return to film school as a mid-career change. Elke brings an academic eye from her work and connections with University of Washington. Michael is the technical guru having worked on a multitude of local sets from commercial to documentary with the sound and camera departments. Their work at Heartstone is truly a collaborative process from pre-production through post with Elke specializing in producing and story editing while Michael focuses on directing and polish editing. They both possess a love of telling stories with important messages such as public history or cultural education — sharing a view of the world through someone else’s eyes.

Michael and Elke received 2017 GAP Award funding to share a love of music and Native American culture with Seattle and beyond. Their production company Heartstone has been documenting Preston Singletary’s passion for music over the course of several years now. They have many hours of compelling footage from interviews to performances to supporting b-roll. Their work illustrates the creative intersection of musical luminaries such as the late Bernie Worrell and renowned saxophonist Skerik with Native American cultural leaders such as Gene Tagaban and the late Clarissa Rizal.