Meet Christian Kamaal | Filmmaker & Musical Artist

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

Hi Christian, what do you attribute your success to?
This may sound destructive to some, but I never listen too much to one piece of advice. Basically, I take everything I’m told with a grain of salt and follow my heart anyway. Everyone speaks about the world from their own point of view and what they believe to be true. But there’s no one way to solve a problem. Maybe you just haven’t figured out how to do your way just yet. Moving like this has given me an unique sense of confidence whenever faced with a new challenge or adversity of any kind. I believe that whatever happens, I’ll figure it out to the best of my ability. I may panic the moment it happens, but once I come down and can see things clearly again — game over. I’m on your head.

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.
You know, I’ve always had a hard time with that question: What sets me apart from others? I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m constantly looking for ways that my work, my friends work and work I admire are more of the same than anything. I think it validates me and reminds me that I’m not alone on this long journey.

I’m excited about a lot of things:

Learning new ways to market myself as an artist and businessman, learning that tricky balancing act where business and art co-mingle and play nicely with each other, making quality work that says something meaningful, and also discovering new ways to make passive income so I’m not waiting on anyone to give me a chance. Truthfully, I’m exciting about ownership.

Simply put, I got to where I am right now, through prayer, hard work, and curiosity. I try not to complicate that answer when asked. It’s never easy accomplishing something bigger than yourself. To me, it’s impossible. I have to lean on something, and for me that thing is Jesus.

The biggest lesson I’ve been obsessing over recently is “always be who YOU are.” If you’re constantly trying to be like someone else, you’re missing the opportunity to inspire the next person that was just like you at one point – a novice wanting to do something they’re called to – but didn’t feel represented in that space. I’ve realized my purpose is bigger than me. It’s universal.

I want the world to know I make mistakes just like anybody else. I’m not perfect. I’m miseducated at times. I say things I shouldn’t. I judge others. I judge myself even harder. And I often feel like I’m not qualified to want the things I want. But none of that has to be my truth forever. I’m capable of change. It’s really just about taking the steps to that new truth. That’s the work.

None of the things I named should stop me or you from pursing what’s in your heart. All of us have a story. The world needs it. So, go out and tell it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, is Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Without him, none of this would be possible.

Secondly, my family. My mother and father. My god mother, Josephine, and my aunt Rose. My second-mother, Kisha. My little sister, Naiya. And my best friend, NeNe. She’s always been there for me, no matter what. No telling where I’d be without my folks.

After that, I’m eternally grateful for my professors/mentors at USC and outside of USC, who’ve inspired me, opened my eyes to the power of cinema, and spent one-on-one time with me when they had much better things they could’ve been doing.

To name a few:

John Watson, Barnet Kellman, Robert Townsend, Rick Parks, Irving Belateche, Bruce Block, Lalou Dammond, Joaquin Phoenix, and the list goes on.

Last but not least, my friend group. My SCA folks.

Website: christiankamaal.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/christiankamaal

Image Credits
Christian Kamaal USC School of Cinematic Arts, PhotosbyJamaal