about
“Qualia” ([kwah-lee-uh] plural; singular: quale) is a philosophical term referring to subjective experiences.
These can be anything from the warmth of your cheeks before your first kiss to how the wind skims your hair on a specific summer Sunday. They can be as small as the cold strain on your eye from reading this in the middle of the night to the texture of your clothing brushing the hairs on your skin.
At Qualia, we bridge the gap between the sensory and the abstract.
Each film, each project, is a collage of these unique, subjective moments that define our existence.
Qualia is more than a production company; it’s an embodiment of the ephemeral, the intangible, and the deeply personal.
Through our work, we aim to capture the essence of these fleeting experiences, transforming them into visual and auditory narratives that resonate on a deeply human level.
We believe that every project should not only tell a story but also evoke the raw, unfiltered sensations that come with it. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we create, making Qualia a true reflection of the myriad subjective experiences that shape our lives.
Paul Duran-Lemos
A sketch of three Native Americans playing Nintendo 64 hung right outside of his childhood bedroom. His mother drew it. His father was in a band in the 60’s described as the “Colombian Beatles”. Writer/Director Paul Duran-Lemos has always been fascinated with the surreal.
Influenced and inspired by the dreamlike qualities of contemporary film and the reflective stillness of slow cinema, Paul unmasks the honesty beneath his characters by blending a naturalistic visual style and sound design with waves of surrealism in the editing room. “There’s a gap between the sensory and abstract and that’s where you find truth.”
Paul frequently collaborates with Art At The Rendon in fostering creativity within the Los Angeles Arts District. He enjoys the documentary and short-form space and has worked with names such as Vans, MOCA, Jerry Cantrell, Surfbort, Gene Simmons, Ralph Ziman, among others.
As the founder and creative force behind Qualia, Paul is dedicated to crafting films and projects that capture the essence of human experiences. His work is a testament to the power of subjective moments and their ability to create profound, resonant stories.
