Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jahmal Holland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jahmal, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
It’s a constant tug of war between when to address misunderstandings or even ignorance versus when to focus on the task and accomplishment. Often instruction or requests become condescension or micro aggression. An example of my meaning here is a difference of opinion or aesthetic often brings a presumption of inexperience or lack of competence.
The challenge is determining what is needed to reach the goal. Processual or interpersonal conflicts can be obstacles which need to be addressed, or they might be distractions which need to be overcome. Approaching it that way helps to know when and how to address conflicts. I generally feel the need to speak on issues so the environment is better going forward. Many are disinterested in resolving or improving, unfortunately. The most important thing in that case is for me to accomplish the task without getting lost in a distraction.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an indie filmmaker, and each aspect of filmmaking allows me to express and accomplish the most important things. As a director, I get to work with amazing artists in front of and behind the camera collaborating on the best and most creative way to tell a story. As a writer and documentarian, I can tell stories about underserved, and under-represented people. Urban Legends, seemingly ordinary people who do extraordinary things, As a cinematographer and editor I get to experience and take part in stories that would never have occurred to me. I’m excited about a documentary I’m developing on the student movement at San Francisco State College in the late 60s. The doc is called Shuttin’ It Down; The Roots of the Movement Known as Black Studies, and it details the movement that led to the largest, longest student-led protest in American history, and gave birth to the Black Studies Curriculum and the first College of Ethnic Studies.
Danny Glover was a student at San Francisco State and a participant in the protest movement. He is the producer of the documentary, My mother was also a student at the college and a participant in this movement, so telling this story is a tremendous honor.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I was a kid movies would play on Saturday afternoon television. One film I used to watch over and over with my mother, whenever it would come on, was The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings. The movie, a product of Motown Movie Studios, is a fictionalized account of the Negro Baseball League. The lead character Bingo had to learn how to make a way for himself and his team to play their game and do their business independently, and outside of the reach of those who would exploit them. As a creative, I spend much of my time trying to get permission to do my work. Learning my craft and acquiring the skills and tools of my trade allows me to create my own opportunities. We are all seeking precarious positions within a volatile industry. Going to film school and learning cinematography, production sound, and editing has provided me the means to make my own opportunities. Similar to learning to fish rather than waiting for someone to invite me to dinner
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Like many indies, I would like to find representation to partner with, either an agent or management. I’m always looking to partner with specialists in their fields, whether they are sound (production or post), camera and lighting, or art department (Wardrobe, Production Design, etc). The opportunities I’ve had to collaborate with the team members I’ve had, have provided me with the best professional experiences I’ve had.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jahmalholland.com
- Instagram: @jahmalholland
- Facebook: JahmalJHolland
- Linkedin: Jahmal Holland
- Twitter: JahmalJHolland
Image Credits
Jon Tsuei Joe Guerero Ruby Holland Luana Gaynor Andrea Walker Williamson
