Meet AJ Lovelace | Award-winning filmmaker and photographer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Lovelace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want people to remember me as a man of integrity. It should be clear to anyone who ever reads, sees, or hears anything about me that I believed so fully in being authentic and standing up for what’s right no matter the cost. I feel that so many people are so concerned with how they will benefit in a scenario that they forget to consider their fellow human beings. We’ve strayed so far from genuine compassion. I make a concentrated effort to bring that sincerity into each piece of work I create. I want to show that there is real value in being a person who cares about others no matter what.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Filmmaking, for me, has always been a powerful avenue for storytelling. My intersectionality across cultures is what sets me apart. I’m passionate about using film to amplify the stories of people and communities that are often overlooked, showing how their experiences shape the world. I’m deeply proud of the spaces I’ve been able to create for people from across the planet to feel safe and seen.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There were moments when I doubted that my work would matter. My relentless belief in my vision and the power of storytelling to change things pushes me beyond these doubts. Therapy and healing mentally are critical in helping me overcome personal challenges, enabling me to confront the systems that would otherwise shut me down. The support of a like-minded community has been equally vital. Having people who believe in your vision, and who support and challenge you, enables you to grow.
I’ve learned that the creative journey is not easily defined. It requires patience, resilience, and the willingness to stay true to my voice, even when the world may seem to be pushing me in other directions. I’ve learned to trust the process and to understand that rejection is redirection.
Ultimately, I want the world to know my work reflects the stories I believe are worth telling and that they can heal, connect, and empower through experiencing it. I aim to create art that entertains and inspires action, sparks conversations, and helps preserve the cultures and histories that shape us. It’s not just about making films; it’s about making a difference.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My answer may seem a little bit unfair, but I can’t reveal all my favorite spots. I’m going to have to gate-keep a bit, haha!
I would thoroughly recommend hiking your way up to Griffith Observatory. The views, and there are several, are breathtaking. It allows you to appreciate this planet so deeply. I’d encourage going to the museums, they’re varied and spread across this city. Not only will the museums allow you to slow down and take time to reflect on the themes of the specific space but the surrounding neighborhoods have their unique flavors to experience. Between Inglewood, Lemeirt Park, and Koreatown, I cannot recommend exploration enough! The food and vibes are so potent and engaging that you can’t help but have a good time. The rest you’ll have to discover on your own! 😉

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
That’s easy. My mom undoubtedly deserves the shoutout in my story. Her sacrifice and steady determination to nurture and support me are why I can envision the life I’m creating. I’m eternally grateful to my mother in this life and the next for everything she has endured for me. There’s no greater gift I could ask for than my mother’s love.

Website: https://www.ajlovelace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alovelacejr/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alovelacejr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AJLovelace

Image Credits
AJ Lovelace, Dejean Deterville, Larry Powell