We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jahmal Holland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jahmal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’m part of a performing arts collective called LIQUID. We created and performed a piece for the stage called The Anthem of Our Souls back in 2016. In 2017, I suggested we produce a film version of the piece, and so we did. The film went on to win multiple awards, and someone recommended it to Terry Collins, an activist, community organizer, and co-founder of KPOO Radio in my hometown of San Francisco. Terry loved the film. He interviewed me on his radio show and recommended me for the San Francisco Black Film Festival. This was my first time showing a film at that festival. Screening a film, not only in my hometown but in the neighborhood where I grew up, was a huge honor. Sadly, Terry passed away in 2021. Before leaving us, he recommended I direct a documentary on the San Francisco State College Student-Led Strike of 1968-69. This was the largest and longest student-led strike in US history. I am currently filming interviews and compiling research for the project along with Danny Glover, Terry Collins’ college roommate, serving as Executive Producer.
Jahmal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My earliest memories are of my mother reading to me and teaching me to write, instilling within me a love of words and writing. My mother was also my first movie buddy. We would watch new movies in the theater as well as old movies on television during the “Saturday Matinee”. I come from a large extended family and my cousins and I would hold the obligatory talent shows at all of our family gatherings. That led to school talent shows., where I would choreograph breakdance performances for my younger siblings and cousins and later their friends. I’m a child of the MTV generation as well as BET and VH1. Music and music videos are embedded into my DNA. In 2008 I was invited to perform 2 of my songs at a talent showcase in West Los Angeles. I met some indie filmmakers there and they were discussing the release of the first RED Camera and how it would put studio-quality filmmaking capability into the hands of independents. My filmmaking dream began that day.
I began creating music videos for myself and others. I directed a video that went viral in 2010 for another artist and was invited to direct a video for a platinum artist. That was when I caught the filmmaking bug in earnest.
I was soon asked to script a film that would be released in Nigeria by a Nigerian American film company. We completed that film with some major stars from that region, winning multiple awards including Best Diaspora Film. I was personally nominated for best screenwriter. The following year, I applied and was accepted into the MFA program, at USC for film production. I’d taught myself to edit while working on the music videos and I learned cinematography while at USC.
Since graduating I’ve continued to develop my craft as a writer/director, cinematographer, and editor. I’ve gotten to collaborate with some incredible artists, known and unknown from very diverse backgrounds. It has been an incredible dream that thankfully no one has awakened me from yet.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2009 I attended a major music conference in Nashville. Coming out of the major economic crisis, the effects of which were still unfolding, I had no idea what the conference would be like. I watched some of the biggest agencies, labels, and tour managers haggle and argue over the past and future of the industry. I found myself contributing to lectures on new media and web resources for indie marketing strategies. The takeaway was no one knew what the future would hold. I’d gone there hoping to find a major label deal and/or touring opportunities. I quickly realized id have to make my own opportunities. No one was coming to save me. I had to learn the business and not just my specialized area of interest. There just wasn’t enough funds and resources available for a new artist to come in anywhere and learn on the job. I’d have to build my own brand and partner with larger entities when the opportunities arise. That lesson continues to serve me in film to this day.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Telling untold stories of unsung heroes. Meeting and collaborating with brilliant artists and finding shared opportunities for new creative expression. Artists of color don’t always get the opportunity to express their artistic range. Finding opportunities to facilitate that is one of the great joys of this work.
Contact Info:
- Website: JahmalHolland.com
- Instagram: @jahmalholland
- Facebook: Facebook.com/JahmalJHolland
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahmal-holland-16148420
- Twitter: @JahmalJHolland
Image Credits
Joe Guerrero Ruby Holland Luana Gaynor