Spike Jonze happens to be not only one of my favourite directors, but one of my favourite creative people. His versatility as a film maker is very much a reflection on his career. Jonze started his career as senior photographer for Transworld Magazine; a skateboarding enterprise, that has produced countless cutting edge issues and released skate videos, renowned for their original aesthetics and composition. He went on to film skate videos such as one of the most pioneering skateboarding videos “Blind: Video Days”. He co-directed “Girl: Yeah Right!” And “Fully Flared!” Two of the most pivotal and high budget skateboard videos ever produced.

Spike Jonze is now artistic director of VBS TV, funded by MTV. Jonze’s music videos were also unique and pleasing to watch; Buddy Holly by Weezer being the one that comes to mind instantly. His collaborations with Charlie Kauffman; twin surreal composition with chopped up narratives resulting in two of Jonze’s most critically acclaimed films; “Adaptation” (2002) and “Being John Malkovich” (1999).

After spending five years adapting Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things (released late last year), a difficult project in which Jonze kept surprisingly true to the children’s book whilst creating a unique, vivid aesthetic but still capturing the innocence of the book, Jonze has collaborated with ABSOLUT to direct short film “I’m’ Here”.

“I’m Here” is a 30-minute love story about the relationship between two robots living in L.A. Andrew Garfield and Sienna Guillory are in the lead roles, and the soundtrack includes original music by Sam Spiegel and original songs by L.A. based art musician Aska Matsumiya and other emerging musicians. The independent film showcases up and coming actors and musicians, the whole project is very culturally and creatively progressive.

ABSOLUT have previously collaborated with Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Helmut Newton. This current collaboration came about when ABSOLUT reached out to Jonze to make a film, and gave him the creative control that allowed him to create the film he wanted. On the official website for I’m Here, Anna Malmhake, Vice President Global Marketing at Absolut says “Spike Jonze is one of the most important influencers of modern popular culture, and this 30-minute film subtly and artfully expresses our enduring commitment to collaborations and creativity.”

I’m Here was originally shown at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the first-ever Opening Night’s Shorts Program at the festival. It was also screened at the Berlin Film Festival on the 20th of February, and Squidge have managed to score tickets to the London screening on the 25th of this month, whoop! The global release will be online in March. To find out more about the film check out the official website.