For this piece, I had different subjects write a letter to their inner child and read it into a mic. Then, I played this recording in a studio as they stared into the camera. What you are seeing is them processing their own journey and healing to their younger self. After this, we scanned their bodies using Luma AI. This work is based on Internal Family Systems, something I didn’t know existed until I got sober. It was a part of my road to recovery—an invitation to bear witness and hold Little Zen for everything they are. I wanted to take what I learned and apply it to this medium, mixing different filmic techniques with new AI software, which helped me further understand how unique and magical this type of therapy can be. This is the first part of a series I’m making, exploring this work. My hope is that it invites more people to hold their own inner child.

Zen Pace is an artist who creates soulful work touching on themes of identity, inner child work, and challenging the status quo. Raised in Flint, Michigan, and unable to read until the age of 11, their main way of learning was through purely visual mediums. They embrace the multi-hyphenate path of directing, writing, and creative directing, weaving these elements to create subversive, expressive, and deeply personal work. As a director, they've collaborated with GUCCI, META, Microsoft, CBS, and many more. Recently, their debut short, "FRAUD," premiered at Tribeca and was shortlisted for the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. Their documentary work has screened worldwide, including at the Palm Springs Film Festival. They have been featured in PAPER, WWD, ESSENCE, The Drum, Boooooom TV, Free The Work, Shots, Little Black Book, Film Shortage, Broadway World, Huffington Post, and more. Currently in the process of writing their debut book, "Nameless You," reflecting on inner child work. When they are trying not to sound so serious they are replaying Metal Gear Solid and dreaming of playing with dogs.