We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cortez Mack. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cortez below.

Alright, Cortez thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Unbeknownst to me, I started this journey in 1986, at the age of 12, writing short poems, not knowing this was the birth of my writing gift. As I continue to write, short skits started to develop, which blossomed into full theatre scripts.

Two years later, I was greatly influenced by three legendary gospel groups; Commissioned, The Winans and Take 6, in which, I formed my first gospel singing group called, “Vision”, We started singing at our church, and, at local church events throughout the Chicagoland area, and, that started me into writing songs.

Years later, after getting let go from a job, I took some money from last paycheck and took headshots, and, started acting in college short films and background extra work on films in Chicago. Afterwhich, I started developing youth anti-violence PSA’s, local music videos, and, then, jumped out to film my first independent feature film, “what about the children” in 2010 (but, finalized in 2014 after two re-shoots). And, after receiving a Letter of Recognition from The Academy (The Oscars) in September 2014, which made me understand why I take risks.

In my journey, I’ve learned that, you will not know what’s in you until you TAKE THE RISK(S) to places that you don’t know. In these risks, I’ve discovered so much about my journey and PURPOSE for my life, and, all the gifts within myself, and, that is to make a DIFFERENCE in this world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Cortez graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Business Management, and has a minor concentration in Music and Theatre Production. The degree Cortez has earned and allotted him to enhance his writing abilities in directing and producing theatre, television and film projects.

In 1988, Cortez begin his journey to inspire and encourage present and future generations, especially young people, through inspirational drama, gospel music, inspirational poetry and positive recreational outlets as well as television and film. His spiritual and natural gifts, coupled with his education, motivation and experiences; nevertheless, gives recognition for his wisdom, competence and versatility. Cortez gives all praises, glory and honor to God for blessing him with the ability and ministry to edify God’s people through works of creative writing. His unwavering and personal commitment is to give back to those who made it possible for him to succeed in this vision: God; his wife, Jerisha; our two daughters, Jeriah and Cari, his family, the church community and, a host of friends, well-wishers and supporters.

It may seem like a “vague” response, but, I am proud of EVERYTHING in my life, from the challenges-to-changes, . . . from the struggles to my strengths, . . . to my obstacles to my overcoming, . . . I repeat, I’m PROUD of everything moment in my life ’cause it has taught me to keep from for GROWTH in every area off my life.

And, All of this has taught me, and, kept me HUMBLE! Therefore, I’ve learned to appreciate the simplest (and, smallest) things in life, . . . and, most importantly, it’s just appreciating life itself . . .

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is that, I get the opportunity to see peoples’ lives change through my works. During film screenings, I can see people being able to relate to the story from their HEART, and, not from a audience perspective. Being able to watch individuals and families heal, . . . forgive each other, . . . embrace and hug, eyc. after watching my films are INCREDIBLE!!!

It has ALWAYS been my desire to use film as a way to bring HEALING to people over the world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to “unlearn” that, it’s okay not have all and/or every talent, gift to be successful. Early in my life, I had a strong desire to be able to sing and play the piano, and, I almost got frustrated because I love music. I played drums in my teen years, but, being an advocate smooth jazz listener, I was fascinated by the creation of music through the piano. As a matter of fact, I tried to learn piano in college, . . . tried to self-teach myself, . . . and, even with keyboards at home, and, I thought this was part of my gift (calling), but I had to accept that it wasn’t, and, had to be okay with it.

But, I realize that, what I’m doing now, in film, is my PURPOSE, and, I’m being more EFFECTIVE in help changing lives for the positive. Making positive films that changes lives is the BEST accomplishment in the world!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cortezmack198
• Facebook: Cortez Mack
• Youtube: @cortezjeri1

Image Credits

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