Meet Jaci Kjernander

We recently connected with Jaci Kjernander and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaci, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I used to struggle with intense imposter syndrome. Even though I was acting and making films, I hesitated to call myself an ‘actor’ or ‘filmmaker,’ feeling like those titles belonged only to A-listers or those earning a steady living from it—which has always been my goal. Over time, though, I realized that showing up and putting in the work means I am those things. Every day I’m working on my craft, whether it’s in front of the camera, writing, or producing, which is the heart of what it means to be an actor and filmmaker.

Another shift happened when I recognized that no one else brings what I do to the table. There’s a unique value in my perspective and style that only I can offer. So now, if I don’t land a role, I remind myself that I gave my best, and if I wasn’t chosen, it’s not about the quality of my read but simply that they were looking for something else.

Sometimes, though, imposter syndrome will creep back in and rear its ugly head. In those moments, I turn to the people around me who understand. We help lift each other up through those valley moments, which is invaluable. And if I can say that I put in the effort and stayed true to my vision, I’ve already succeeded—anything beyond that is just the cherry on top.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m from Boston and a single mom to two incredible young humans who keep me grounded, inspired, and endlessly entertained. Professionally, I’m focused on acting and filmmaking. I discovered a love for the stage at a young age but found my true love of film in my 20s. Pursuing a career in acting is both thrilling and a little terrifying—think skydiving, but with more rejection and endless cups of caffeine. This industry is incredibly unpredictable, and you never know when (or if!) the next job is coming. But that’s part of what makes it exciting, too; there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a new project, a new role, or creating something that resonates with people.

Right now, I’m working on developing a production company with my creative partner, Rachel. She brings the thriller, I bring the comedy, and together, we’re cooking up some interesting projects that mix dark and humorous. We’ve got some exciting films in development, including our first feature, and there’s something magical about building a brand that brings unique stories to life. I hope our work gives people something unexpected—whether it’s a laugh, a thrill, or maybe just a new perspective.

So stay tuned! There’s a lot coming up, and I’m beyond grateful to share it with audiences who appreciate a little bit of humor and a whole lot of twists.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have most shaped my journey are empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

Empathy has been with me from a young age. I remember once, when I was around 10, tearing up over something tragic that happened to a stranger. My mother looked over at me and said, ‘You are incredibly empathetic; don’t lose that.’ Those words have always stuck with me. I believe you can’t be a good actor without empathy. Even if I’m playing a character with complex, even disturbing motives, I need to find some point of connection—some humanity—to bring that role to life. Empathy helps me step into my characters’ shoes and allows me to share their stories honestly.

Curiosity is another essential piece of the puzzle. I’m endlessly curious about what drives people, how they respond to life’s twists and turns, and even the technical decisions a director or another actor makes on set. Curiosity keeps me constantly learning—whether I’m exploring a new character, trying to understand the choices in a scene, or studying a technique that might add a new layer to my work. If you stay curious, there’s always more to uncover, and that keeps the creative process exciting.

Resilience is a quality I built over time, and it’s probably been the hardest won. I wasn’t always resilient, but life has a way of teaching us what we need to learn. From the loss of my brother to two divorces and the reality of single motherhood, I’ve had my share of valleys. Coming through all of that gave me a foundation of strength I carry into my work every day. In filmmaking, especially, things rarely go as planned, but resilience helps me stay calm and move forward no matter what’s thrown at us.

For those just starting out, I’d recommend focusing on these same three qualities. Start by surrounding yourself with the right people—those who encourage your growth, support you when things get rough, and share your curiosity. Practice empathy by observing people closely, watching how they respond to situations, and seeking to understand what motivates them. Staying curious is all about asking questions, keeping your eyes open, and soaking up knowledge wherever you can find it. And resilience? That one will come with experience, but just remember that every setback teaches you something valuable. At the end of the day, it’s not about never falling down; it’s about how you rise each time you do.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always looking to expand my network and work with new, passionate people! Right now, I’m specifically seeking investors for the feature film On The Last Day, written by Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid, a psychological thriller centered on an actress obsessed with infidelity who decides to stalk the adulterous lead actor in a stage play, enacting her own twisted version of justice. Through the lens of the theater, this film dives into themes of infidelity, forgiveness, faith, and mercy—topics I believe will resonate deeply with audiences.

But it’s not just investors I’m interested in connecting with; I’m eager to collaborate with others who bring fresh ideas, commitment, and a unique voice to the table. Whether you’re a fellow filmmaker, a creative in another field, or someone with a passion for storytelling and the grit to see projects through, I’d love to explore ways we might work together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Darielle Rose
Jason Corkum
PT Sullivan

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