We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaran Huggins. Check out our conversation below.
Jaran, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Thanks for having me back! The answer is a bit nuanced because I feel like in the entertainment business, especially as a director, you’re always building a platform through voice, creativity, and style exercised through a nonstop growth. Since moving to L.A., I’ve been working actively to lay the groundwork for myself as a filmmaker and a human being. The push-pull, back and forth of the cliched “work-life balance” in a city that knows no limits within either makes the journey that much more complex. That was a very long-winded way of saying that the thing I’m most proud of building that nobody sees is my reputation; a reputation built on work ethic, empathy, positivity, humility, and of course, creativity. In whatever capacity, whether it’s the creative space or my personal life, I’m striving to instill values that inspire and impact others around me both in spirit and in truth. As a growing filmmaker, I believe all of these principles are necessary to creating art that’s revolutionary. My creativity is always expanding and my voice is continuing to develop. I’ve noted in previous interviews about my driving desires within my storytelling but what’s often left out is the dignity that comes with it. At the end of the day, I just want to be someone who treats everyone with kindness and respect.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! My name is Jaran Huggins, I’m a filmmaker from Nashville, TN. I graduated from Temple University with my BFA in Directing in 2022 and now live in Los Angeles, CA. I recently completed my post-collegiate directorial debut short film titled, “Waking”, a deeply personal story that walks the line between avant-garde and narrative dedicated to my late childhood best friend and hero. I wrote, directed, and co-produced the film alongside some amazing people. I’m actively working in the film industry while learning and evolving along the way! With the level of vulnerability and emotional ambition it took to complete “Waking”, it opened up an entirely new world of storytelling for me. I’m always dreaming and my mind is constantly running with ideas; my inspirations know no bounds right now especially being in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. I’m gearing up to direct more projects in the coming months while appreciating the journey along the way! We’re just getting started!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Oh what a loaded question, it’s actually quite simple. My greatest superpower has always been my imagination. Self-expression. Funny enough, my thesis film out of college was a metaphor for the freedom that’s unlocked through self-expression. This is my story. My earliest memory of feeling powerful were the days my brother and I would build cities out of legos, old birthday cards, building blocks, pretty much whatever we could find. We’d create characters who lived in these imaginary cities, give them families, jobs, motives, wants, needs… you see where I’m going? It was when I discovered the inner joy unleashed when I’d play jazz, not bound by the pages in front of me, nor the ones telling me what to play and how to play it. Freedom. When all else fails, I always come back to the the thing that always unlocked the joy I never lost, my imagination. It carries me to this day.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Relating back to my recent short film, “Waking”, the defining wound in my life and a strong emphasis on ‘the’, was the passing of my childhood best friend, Jon in 2021. We were both 20 years old, thick as thieves and tight as brothers. This was without a doubt the hardest moment of my life. The reconciliation of new realities mixed with the anger, confusion, and inevitable phase of acceptance were unlike anything I had experienced before. At the time it felt like and sometimes still feels like a part of myself left with Jon; however, I’ve since learned how to channel those emotions and process those feelings through art and thus, “Waking” was born. What started as a simple fishing story inspired by a memory I had through a dream became something much more profound. It became an opportunity to connect with my friend one last time through the thing we first bonded over, storytelling. When Jon and I were younger, long before I ever realized my passion for filmmaking, we’d make videos and movies that we shot on old camcorders using iMovie trailers as our template. Jon was the reason I picked up a camera for the first time. Simpler times. “Waking” was the only outlet in which I felt I could truly be vulnerable and open about my emotions. The whole process felt like the stages of grief. Many headaches and heart aches later, I’ve come out on the other side of that experience with a new level of healing and understanding I had forever sought. I’m extremely grateful to his family for allowing me to honor his legacy in this way. “Waking” grew me as a man and as an auteur. It was the first time I felt like I reached a level of vulnerability I had long hidden. I’m also thankful that I had a chance to make this as my first short out of school and the crazy thing about art and life is that both are spiritually connected. Timing is always right and “Waking” is a short film packed with deep philosophies that I will carry in each of my projects moving forward but most importantly, it’s a gentle reminder that the spirit of Jon will always exist within me and those who watch it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
To sort of go back full circle, it totally comes down to your previous question about the thing you’re quietly building. My answer was reputation but what are also ironically did articulate though rarely feel the need to is the dignity that comes with it. Bringing good vibes and a positive spirt to every experience matters. Curiosity is a grossly underrated trait and one that I don’t ever take for granted. In blunt terms, staying hungry and curious should always be the driving force when pursuing your passion, that way, you never lose that passion unless it’s not meant for you. Treat people with respect along the way. Unfortunately, in today’s world, being a good person is becoming a rare quality. Now, more than ever, it should go without saying, have some common decency and treat people the right way and approach everything with purity and curiosity. It’ll go a long way!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
1000 percent. That’s life, that’s passion, I don’t know, I think most people would agree if they really think about it that this is what it looks like to truly find self-worth. It’s the whole cliché, when the lights aren’t on or the crowd’s not there, what’s left. The thing about our industry is much of the work is done in the shadows when no one’s watching. The magic of art is how much beauty can spur from the unknown, but this is the root of why we do what we do. Art universally is just as much about the storyteller as it is the audience. What I learned through “Waking” is how true these ideals are. For me, filmmaking, is merely an extension of my inner being. It’s emotional, it’s healing. “Waking” taught me that sometimes it’s okay to make something that can also be just for me. So, yes, of course, we all want to be recognized for our work, we all want our work to touch people, but for me, you can’t have have one without the other. You have to be comfortable putting your all into something for you first before you can even begin to have an impact on the people who see it. I have no choice but to give everything my best, regardless of the validation that may come from it because it’s never strictly about that, it’s about me and my own emotional journey and maybe, just maybe, that voice will be enough one day to touch somebody. Isn’t that the coolest thing?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jaranhuggins, @thatshypeproductions
- Linkedin: Jaran Huggins
Image Credits
First photo (personal photo): From left to right, Katie Harkins (cinematographer), Micheal Marcelio, and Jaran Huggins on the set of “Waking”
Second photo: Actor Micheal Marcelio and Director Jaran Huggins on the set of “Waking”
