Dreams of Jazmin Johnson – A Young Filmmaker Carrying the Torch, by Roderick Thomas

To pursue your childhood aspirations, your first dream, takes audacity and faithful conviction. For some of us, remembering our dreams gets harder as we grow into adulthood. However, for Jazmin Johnson becoming a successful filmmaker is one dream she is bringing to life.

When I first learned of Jazmin Johnson, I was privileged enough to read one of her scripts. Every word felt lived and textured. Her storytelling captured the subtleties and idiosyncrasies of life, both mundane and profound –– everything alive and visible. This 23 year-old Black woman from the sunshine state is expanding ideas on where movie magic can happen. In an interview with the Star Revue, Jazmin opens up about her journey and recent highlights of her blooming career.

Star Revue: First question, Jazmin where are you from?
Jazmin: I was born in Tallahassee but raised in Orlando. Pretty much a Florida girl.

What got you into film?
I was 9 years old and I saw Keke Palmer in Madea’s Family Reunion. Seeing a person that young that looked like me, taking on such a heavy role inspired me to tell stories.

You know, I don’t think Keke Palmer gets enough recognition for her career.
So true. She’s been doing this, Keke has been in this business for a while.

What was your initial interest, acting, writing or directing?
I think most people initially gravitate towards acting. However, in second grade my teacher always made us write. Later, I was introduced to a Windows Movie Maker, so I’ve really always worn all the hats. I didn’t realize I was doing all these things that make up part of filmmaking.

What is your favorite film?
That’s such a hard question, it really varies. I’d say there are two films I can play on repeat. The first is Harlem Nights. Eddie Murphy is my favorite comedian and Harlem Nights has such a powerful aesthetic. I love that old school 1930’s Black vintage glamour look. The production was so beautiful. Just to see Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Della Reese… it’s such a Powerful film.

And the second for sure is Seventeen Again, with Tia and Tamera Mowry. I played that DVD so much, my parents were so annoyed with me [laughs].

You’ve mentioned your love for old school Black Hollywood glamour, and you bring some of that aesthetic to your own work. Tell us about your film and what inspired you to make it.
It is called Sounds of War. It’s a juxtaposition piece about how I’ve felt really since Trayvon Martin, and of course the revolution that sprung up around Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Here I am trying to make my dreams come true, and we’re not even safe in our dreams. Breonna was murdered barely out of her sleep. So, I wanted to make a piece that illustrates that.

I understand you graduated from FAMU in December. Sounds of War was fully sponsored by Apple, how did that sponsorship come about?
Yes! What a blessing to have my first film fully funded. I know how rare that is. My film was sponsored by Beats, Apple and Crown and Conquer as a part of their Black features program. I didn’t have all the requirements they wanted, but I used my writing and photography to submit. I got the interview, then later found out I was one of the winners. I couldn’t believe it.

 What did you take away from your first production?
Jazmin: So many things, but I think the idea that you need to be in LA, New York or even Atlanta to make a film, changed for me. Old ideas about filmmaking got shattered on my first production. Filmmaking can happen anywhere.

Recently, one of your heroes retweeted your film, Ava Duvernay. How and when did you get the news?
Yes! That morning was my virtual FAMU graduation. I was in the shower and I kept getting messages on my phone. I checked my phone and saw the message from Ava. I’m thinking Ava who? Ava Duvernay? I was shocked, it was unbelievable.

To be recognized by award winning director Ava Duvernay, best known for Selma,13th and the Oscar winning When They See Us (best actor, Jharell Jerome), is quite the milestone and a promising signal of a fruitful career, one Ms. Johnson should be proud of.

That’s such a special moment. However, I’ve heard you’ll be crossing paths with yet another one of your acclaimed heroes soon, tell us more.
Jazmin: So, I started this clothing brand last year called blkflmmkrs and it’s all about cinema meets apparel. Regina King’s team reached out to me and they’re looking to have blkflmmkrs apparel as one of her looks for her SNL show this month. I am beyond grateful.

Where do you get your ideas from, how do you create?
I’m a Black woman, I’m always going to be a Black woman, and that informs what I create. I feel it’s important to keep telling and showing my stories, our stories. I believe we are in a new renaissance period of Black cinema.

 Recently we lost an icon, the legendary Cicely Tyson. What does her legacy mean to you?
Jazmin: She was literally the epitome of Black glamour, Black stardom, Black excellence. She had so much poise. I always admired how she continued to do what she loved literally until her last day. As regards to what I said earlier about us being in a new renaissance for Black filmmakers, I truly feel like she’s passed the torch to us.

Speaking of legacy, what do you want your legacy to be?
I don’t want to be the only one in the room. I want to expand the table, I want more seats at the table. But, I do want a blkflmmkrs sign somewhere in the south, maybe Atlanta!

Check out “Sounds of War” now on Beats streaming services.