Jason Momoa, the actor and filmmaker renowned for his love of analogue experiences, prefers real moments over digital distractions, collecting physical media instead of streaming content. Known for his dedication to projects and nights that inspire him, Momoa recently shared insights on why maintaining analogue practices matters to him during a meeting at SushiSamba in Dubai. This passion for the tangible shapes much of his life and creativity amidst a heavily digital world.
Discovering the Unique Flavor of Meili Vodka
Momoa, co-creator of Meili vodka alongside Blaine Halverson, is deeply involved in promoting and celebrating the spirit. He explains his straightforward approach to drinking it: pairing a pint of Guinness with a neat shot of Meili.
“The beauty of Meili is that it was designed to be drunk neat, like, it was designed to not even need ice in it because it is made from such incredible water, so you don’t want to add shit water to it,”
he notes. Momoa’s goal was to create “an amazing canvas” for bartenders, encouraging them to innovate and push boundaries with the vodka. Among various creations, a bartender from New Zealand crafted one of the most memorable drinks Momoa has ever tasted, leading to an invitation for that bartender to perform at the Minecraft movie wrap party.
Jason Momoa’s Deep Connection to Craftsmanship
Firmly identifying as analogue, Momoa spends his time exploring hands-on creativity, especially through his TV show, On The Roam, where he meets artisans dedicated to traditional methods.
“I love making things and creating things. I need design in everything that I do,”
he explains, highlighting how this passion drives him more than acting. His fascination with analogue extends to DJing, where he spins rare 45 rpm records from the 1960s that remain unavailable on popular streaming platforms.
“People love it and ask why they’ve never heard the tracks, and I’m, like, because this is from 1967 and it’s never been digitised, so just be here now and enjoy it,”
Momoa adds.
Frequent Visits to the UAE and Film Work
Momoa’s repeated trips to Dubai stem partly from his recent work filming Dune in nearby Abu Dhabi. He describes the unique experience of working in the desert during early mornings and late nights, appreciating the quiet beauty of the surroundings. Photography plays a key role in his life during these times, capturing moments others might overlook.
“I got my eye from my mother [photographer Coni Momoa], so I like noticing things that perhaps other people don’t and maybe having a little giggle to myself,”
he says.
Photography as a Private Expression
Using a vintage Swedish military Leica camera from the 1950s, Momoa shoots primarily on Ilford 400 film, valuing the lessons it teaches about light and composition. Despite the convenience offered by smartphones, he insists that nothing compares to film’s impact. His photographs remain a personal sanctuary:
“They are mine. It’s my piece of me that I don’t have to share with the world. People have watched me grow up, seen my films, watched me do interviews – and they think they know me. I’ve had to share most things with the world, but my photography, well that’s just for me.”
An Art Collector Drawn to Natural Change and Curiosity
Beyond photography, Momoa’s appreciation for art reflects a broad curiosity and immersion in life’s details. He recently acquired an object whose sun-faded color fascinated him, viewing it as symbolic of his own identity and nature’s influence over time. Embracing these impulses without questioning why, he says:
“why am I so drawn to this thing?”
This acceptance demonstrates his commitment to following personal instincts and the beauty of transformation inherent in analogue experiences.
Facing Fear Through Music and Performance
Music is another dimension where Momoa challenges himself, particularly as bassist in his rock cover band, Öof Tatatá. Despite years of playing, performing live still fills him with nerves. He shares his apprehension about an upcoming Dubai gig, especially after recent finger and elbow surgeries, but also the passion that drives him to keep going.
“I’ve got a gig here in Dubai, and it’ll be the first time I’ve played in three months because I’ve just had surgery on my finger, and my elbow – so I’m pretty much s***ing myself about it. But I love that,”
Momoa admits, illustrating his fearless devotion to creative pursuits.
Early Musical Influences and Vinyl Treasures
Momoa vividly remembers his first album purchase, made with his own money at a skatepark in Omaha, Nebraska. His choice was The Uplift Mofo Party Plan by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a nod to his roots as a ‘90s Californian skate kid. He followed up with albums such as Primus’s Sailing the Seas of Cheese and The Pharcyde’s Labcabincalifornia. Raised by a mother who introduced him to Motown, blues, and rock’n’roll, Momoa retains a connection to physical music formats, noting that he still has these records and believes DVDs and CDs will see a resurgence given the impermanence of streaming services.
“With everything on streaming platforms, once Netflix decides to remove your favourite show or film, then what have you got? You ain’t got nothing tangible,”
he points out.
Balancing a Busy Career With Passion and Purpose
Currently, Momoa is fully engaged with various ventures, including acting, music, and promoting Meili vodka. He reflects on his career’s progress, expressing satisfaction that he now gets to focus on what he truly loves rather than simply working to survive.
“I’m at the point in my career where I am doing all the things that I love to do. So that’s pretty cool that my kids are able to see me doing what I love to do, rather than doing what you have to do in order to get by – which I did for a solid 20 years of my career,”
he states. Although he admits he is not a fan of sleep and often runs on minimal rest fueled by ideas and energy, Momoa remains driven by urgency and a desire to accomplish meaningful projects.
“It may be a short life, but I want to get some sh** done.”
