Meet Denzel Jenkins | Director, Writer, Producer

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

Hi Denzel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I experienced a lot of trauma in my life which led to depression, suicidal thoughts, worthlessness, etc. Being in that dark space, I wasn’t sure what was next in my life, so I sought out God and became a disciple of Christ. This would lead me to writing poems, short stores and the revelation of my desire to be the best filmmaker I can be. It’s therapeutic for me, bringing a lot of healing into my life, and I hope that the art I make can bring the same impact to those who experience my work while keeping them entertain.

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.
I think what sets me apart artistically in wanting to tell stories like this comes from my life experience in being a victim of rape/sexual assault and being led by God to heal through writing poems and stories. Because of this, I definitely think I have a certain poetic style which I hope to be known for. And outside of my personal experience, the lack of proper representation and seeing persons of color existing in spaces we have yet to see in the landscape of cinema also inspires me.

So overall, the stories I desire to tell are focused on providing spaces to bring healing, showing persons of color in new ways to be uplifted, broadening how we see ourselves and how the world ought to see us. William D. Foster, one of the first black producers said this which inspires me: “Nothing has done so much to awaken the race consciousness of the colored man in the United States as the motion picture. It has made him hungry to see himself as he has come to be”. I want to tell stories that will awaken the consciousness of people to bring healing, new onscreen representations of black/brown experiences with the hopes of people’s spirits either beginning, continuing or being renewed through Christ.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long!? We would go all over the place:

– Griffith Observatory
– Leo’s Tacos in Hollywood
– Santa Monica Pier
– Academy Museum
– Petersen automotive museum
– Lemon Grove Park to hoop
– Easy Street Burgers in Hollywood
– Laker/Clipper game
– Korea bell of friendship to hoop even more
– Sebastians in San Pedro to grub
– TCL Chinese Theatre
– DTLA for the vibes
– 23rd street cafe for the Indian Burritos
– Hollywood walk of fame for the vibes
– USC SCA to check out my old stomping ground
– The Grove to be a window shopper
– Mercado la paloma for the jerk chicken
– My church out in Gardena
– LA fitness to hoop one last time

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would like to thank the Most high and the Messiah, I truly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his love. I’m thankful for my mother and family members for being that strong support system. I’d like to thank my church MetroLA ICOC for being a group a loving people and a support system as well. My mentors Robert Townsend, Karl Roman, James Keyes, Darryl McGee, all who push and encourage me to be the man of God I’m destined to be. USC School of Cinematic Arts for having such an amazing program that allowed me to grow so much and for feeding the ambition and drive I have to do great things. To the Professors who gave me wisdom and my first job in the industry! And to all the people whom I’ve had positive collaborations with, I hope we can continue to make life-changing work together.

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Image Credits
Frazer Harrison