Limkokwing University was recently graced by the captivating presence of Ion Michael Furjanic, founder of the Malaysian-based "film/experience" company WE ARE KIX. With an illustrious career spanning many creative disciplines, Furjanic offered the university community an inside look into the ever-evolving world of film, music, and experience design.
Ion Michael Furjanic, a New York-born director, composer, and artist, has achieved global recognition for his innovative works in film and music. His illustrious portfolio includes a score for the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Jesus Camp,” original compositions for films like “The Two Escobars,” “Bully,” “Brooklyn Boheme,” and contributions to “Freakonomics.”
In an engaging presentation, Furjanic opened up about his creative journey, the genesis of WE ARE KIX and the unique philosophy that propels the firm to generate unprecedented concepts consistently. His passion was evident as he narrated his transition from a musician to a filmmaker, leading to the company’s creation in 2012.
His central message revolved around embracing love for one’s work and freely expressing creativity without seeking approval or employment. “I just put out something because I loved it, and someone wanted more. And that’s it. That’s how it started,” Furjanic said, reflecting on the inception of his company.
He acknowledged the challenges of staying afloat during a global pandemic and shifting trends but emphasised resilience and adaptability as key. As he pointed out, the progression from a creative mind to a businessperson was a demanding but essential transformation, hinting at the multifaceted nature of creative industries.
A vivid portion of the talk was dedicated to understanding the dynamics of generating fresh ideas. Open brainstorming sessions, a library of thoughts, and a non-judgmental approach to ideation formed the crux of WE ARE KIX’s creativity process.
While discussing the future of film and music, Furjanic alluded to the transformative power of digital technology. He shared how WE ARE KIX envisions exploring physical and immersive art in the upcoming years. The company’s ambitious projects include an exciting collaboration with McDonald’s and a unique venture named “The Wave,” among others.
When asked about the potential for collaboration with Limkokwing University, Furjanic expressed enthusiasm. He saw the university as a fertile ground for experimentation and testing, fostering a symbiotic relationship between students and his firm.
His advice to aspiring creatives is straightforward and powerful; success in unchartered territories necessitates double or triple the standard effort. It’s not for those who wish to stay within their comfort zones, but for those willing to risk, the rewards are immensely fulfilling and meaningful.
The audience, comprising eager students and faculty members, soaked up every insight Furjanic shared. Yahnusha Sri, a student of Professional Design (Visual Communication), reflected on the impact of the session. She emphasised the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of such industry interactions. She stated, “Limkokwing is actually doing that. Bringing the experts from the outside.” Inviting experts to share their expertise and insights enriches students’ understanding and equips them with essential tools for their eventual entrance into the industry.
Ion Michael Furjanic’s visit to Limkokwing University was not just another guest lecture. It was a powerful confluence of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This spark ignited a thousand ideas, a wave that promised to carry aspiring creatives into a bright, unchartered future. His parting words echoed the halls long after his departure, leaving a lasting imprint on the minds of the Limkokwing community. It was a day when the university became an incubator for big dreams, proving once again that the sky is indeed the limit in the world of creativity.
