Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Kamaal.
Hi Christian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m from a small city called Rocky Mount, NC, but really, I’m from an even smaller city called Nashville. I claim Rocky Mount because they’re basically right on top of each other and Nashville isn’t even in the zip code book last time I checked. *shrugs*
I was born into a very musically gifted family. If you didn’t sing, then you played an instrument. At first, I did neither… so I thought. It wasn’t until I looked back at old home videos of myself and saw how much my mother would make me sing stuff for her – from “Jesus Loves Me” to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
I started making music at the age of 15 in my childhood bedroom. Around that time, I was running with a group called “Junkie Gang.” We were well-known in the city for music, dance, and cool visuals. They were kind of a thing already when they brought me in, so I didn’t really have to do much but be myself. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be to be honest.
My parents were super strict and didn’t like secular music. If it wasn’t gospel, then it was considered “Devil’s Music.” So, because I didn’t want to get caught “worshiping Satan,” I would record whenever my parents weren’t home and download Rap and R&B albums from LimeWire onto my dollar general MP3 player.
I would do that up until I graduated high school and it would pay off tremendously. I ended up making 2 mixtapes worth of music before I even stepped foot into my undergrad experience at North Carolina A&T. Some folks even knew who I was during orientation which was dope.
During my 4 years there, I would continue to make music in my dorm room and perform around campus. I gained real traction with a single called “Way More” which was basically me trying to convince a girl that I could give her “way more” than her actual boyfriend. Yeah, I was that kind of singer.
When the plays started rolling in, I knew I had to do something that would push it even further. So, I used whatever money I was getting from my on-campus jobs to purchase my first DSLR camera, a handheld gimbal, and grabbed a couple of friends to make my first music video.
Because of that, “Way More” ended up grossing over 288k views on Soundcloud. I knew I’d done something when I was working the desk as a Residence Assistant and heard someone playing the song down the hall. Surreal.
Around that time, people on campus started asking me to shoot their music videos, campaign videos, PSAs, and other things. So, with that same camera, I became the go-to guy on campus for video work. This is where I really discovered my style as a director/DP.
Once I graduated, I kept making music, but burned out pretty quick because that’s ALL I was doing. Day and night. I felt myself wanting to do more with my camera, so I started diving into film a lot more.
I read hella screenwriting books (way too many) and watched endless YouTube videos on lighting, screenwriting, acting, story structure and all that. I even sat down a couple of times and watched “Moonlight” scene by scene with the script in front of me just to see how they shot and directed it from the page.
This was a very scary transitional moment for me because music was all I’d ever known and now I was spending more time with film than I was with music. I felt like I was neglecting my child. It felt adulterous almost.
Nevertheless, I made it a goal to make my first short film by the end of the year. So, I put $1,300 dollars on a credit card to purchase whatever equipment I needed with no idea how I was gonna pay it off. I was stressed, but it felt right.
Then, I saw the film that changed my life – “Fruitvale Station.”
The very first time I saw that film, I bawled my eyes out. I was grieving, yet relieved that I was expressing my emotions so openly. I couldn’t understand how a film could make me do that. So, I did my research and looked at who made it.
I see the name Ryan Coogler. Clicked on it… “He’s black? Cool. Me too…”
Scrolled down to see a video of him speaking about the film…
“Oh snap, he kind of talks like me too… Education? USC’s School of Cinematic Arts… Hm. That’s where he learned how to do this? Let me do some research.”
I called the school, and they told me they were taking applications for the Spring semester. So, I geared up, shot my first short film, cut it, and sent it in with all my other supplements.
Crazy enough, I got in. But like pastor Michael Todd once said, “It’s only crazy ‘til it happens.”
That’s just a long-winded way of saying “I bet on myself and won.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest obstacles for me was learning to delegate responsibility and relinquish power to other people.
I come from a DIY background where it’s dog-eat-dog. Nobody wants to see you win as badly as you do, so you’re the only one you can trust to get the job done correctly.
But with film, it’s such a collaborative art form. You literally can’t do everything yourself. It was very hard to trust people at first, but I’ve learned to open up. Even if I did get proven right and end up disappointed, I take it on the chin and move on.
Another big obstacle I’ve had to face over and over again while on the road to here is, learning what the role of directing really is. Yes, you deal with cameras, talk to actors, and point at stuff all day, but for me, it really boils down to being able to do one thing well: manage different personalities – sweet and sour.
I can’t count how many situations I’ve been in that have tested my character and compassion levels for human beings that just simply don’t want to work with you. Doesn’t matter what you do, they’ll still be who they are and move the way they want to move.
And you as a collaborator, you have to find a way to love that person. At least until the project is over. It’s a heavy burden, but that’s the game. That’s what you signed up for.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I never really liked labels or titles. To say I’m just a filmmaker or musician feels limiting. I bounce from one thing to the next and at times, it’s hard to even keep up with myself.
So, because of that, I’m not quite sure what I’m known for to be honest. But if I had to guess, I think it’d be for music and filmmaking.
Something I’m most proud of is my relationship with adversity and my ability to say “no”. I used to be a “Yes Man” which left me stretched thin. But after a while, I realized I can just say no and that’s that. I don’t owe anyone anything.
I’m also proud of my “Just Do It” mentality and my excitement around taking risks. I’ve learned that when you’re taking a risk, that’s the only time you’re actually putting points on the board.
If it’s safe, then you’re running in place. And maybe that’s what sets me apart from others. I’m not afraid to tackle that intimidating task or that edgy story. I crave those experiences.
If I want it, I’m gonna go get it.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in favor, purpose, and divine timing.
As a Christian, I believe God created each of us with a specific purpose in mind. I think He chooses who he wants to succeed at certain things, in certain fields and at what time.
If that person is focused on that thing, then they’re in God’s favor and purpose for their life. And if they keep working hard, it only becomes a matter of WHEN, not WILL.
Don’t be fooled though. I get very impatient and wish I could already be doing the things I love every day, but it’s just not my time yet. And that’s okay because I want nothing before it’s time.
What’s funny is I’ll probably look back at this a few years from now and be reassured all over again.
Hi, future me. You kept the faith. Good for you, bruh.
Contact Info:
- Website: christiankamaal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiankamaal/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/christiankamaal
Image Credits
Dante J. Bailey Jonathan E. McCormack Christian Kamaal
