David Cypkin’s collaborations with Rakontur production company (includes podcast)

In the first episode of Let’s Talk Miami, FIU student Daniela Thoelke interviews Miami film producer David Cypkin, who has created documentaries about Miami culture for decades. The documentaries can sometimes be controversial and told with a skill that leaves you wanting more.

Cypkin works side by side on storytelling with Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, owners of movie production company Rakontur. The name is derived from the word raconteur, one who tells stories with skill. He explains how to interview someone in vulnerable stages of life and gain their trust to tell a story. Cypkin explains a strategy of “say it and show it” when putting a documentary together piece by piece.

Daniela Zulueta is a FIU Alumni at Florida International University who graduated with her bachelor's in digital broadcasting and media and holds an associate degree in journalism from Miami Dade College. She loves Miami and aims to share the stories of the citizens who live here and all over the world. After her studies, she wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field.