interview with MAURICE JAMAL

i recently snagged maurice jamal and we talked over french fries, buffalo chicken dumplings and mojitos. i wanted to find out more about the human action figure and also what to expect in the near future from this filmmaking "super-hero".

1. Are you a native new yorker or are you an import?
I am a big import. I moved here from the mean streets of Oakland, CA about 4 years ago. It’s actually crazy when I think back on it. I didn’t have a job, or apartment, or know anybody. I just decided I was moving here to pursue my dreams. So I sold all my shit, bought a one-way ticket, threw myself a going away party and jumped on a plane. (laughs). OK. I have a confession. I have always seen my life as a “musical”. I break out in song in my head all the time. I have my own theme song and all. Which is funny, because the way I moved here is very musical theater. (laughs again)

2. You are like a superhero, you do a bit of everything. you, wrote, directed, produced and starred in "ski trip" and it's about to be the first film on MTV's Logo that features men of color. You must be on some type of high right now. I need for you to tell me how you are feeling right now.
Not “like” a superhero. I “am” a superhero. I can’t fly or turn invisible or anything. But what I can do with a fine ass man….that’s a true super power. (laughs) But seriously, I am on an incredible high right now. It’s amazing to me. Here I am. Young, Black, Gay. Raised by a single parent. I am someone who society discounts and discards. And here I am. Making movies. Breaking ground. Pushing boundaries. And the audiences have been so embracing. It’s incredible. I am so happy. I feel so blessed.

3. I know you have a few projects churning around in your head, what's next for you?
I have several projects we’re going to jump into. There’s a feature-film about actors in New York; a comedy-thriller, which the kids just aint ready for; a really provocative comedy series about sex…looking forward to casting that one (laughs). Oh, yeah and the sequel to The Ski Trip. Which is actually a pre-quel, but I can’t say too much or my producers will kill me. I guess I’m a workaholic. But I love what I do, so who cares?

4. What would you say was your biggest mistake or set back and how did you overcome it?
Wow. That’s a great question. I start my day with meditation and today I was focusing on how there are no mistakes in life, only steps toward your destiny. And I really do believe that. I don’t think there are mistakes. It’s really just a matter of attitude and perception. What you see, what you believe, you will manifest. But, certainly there have been times where I doubted myself. Doubted who I truly was. And that can take you off course. Yet, you can learn so much from those moments. So maybe those aren’t mistakes either.

5. Are you currently dating anyone? if so expound, if not is it by choice? Are you too focused on getting your next projects done and dating can wait? What is your take on that?

Fuck that, “I am too busy bullshit”. That’s a cop-out. That’s the easy answer. I want a man! (laughs) I’m not dating anyone right now. I’ve been on a date or two, or three, or…well, anyway, nothing serious. But, I’d love to be in a relationship. It just has to be the right relationship. It’s funny to me, because I think guys can be a little intimidated. They see your face in a magazine and on TV, and they think they have to be a model or have all this money to deal with you. Now, I aint throwing no rich models out my bed, (laughs) but I am simply looking for a good, solid, wonderful man.

6. Do you have a team of people that you work with or do you do the majority of the work?

I do it ALL! (laughs) No. I have a GREAT relationship with my producing partner, Nathan Williams. We don’t think there’s anything we can’t do. We have amazing chemistry and a relationship built on trust, respect and a sincere admiration of each others’ talents. I like to say that his booty is almost as big as his heart. (laughs) He’s gonna hate that I said that. Make sure that gets in. (laughs). Beyond that, I have really been blessed that people have supported my insanity. I’ve worked with some great folks.

7. If you were given ONE MILLION DOLLARS today and told that you could not use it to finance any film projects, what would you do with it?
I know this is very “Soul Train Awards” of me, but of course I’d do something for my momma (laugh). But not too much. Shit, she’s lived her life! I want a big ass house and a shiny car and a fine ass man in his drawers cooking pancakes in the kitchen. No, I’d probably do something wild and crazy. Take trips around the world. Meet people. Take a friend. Spend time exploring myself. I wouldn’t worry too much about saving it, because my career is blowing up baby! And if it doesn’t I can always use those “super-powers” I mentioned earlier and make some cash.

thanks Maurice, i trust this is ONLY the beginning... you are destined for greatness and a very inspiring person. continue to soar into the universe with your "super-powers"!

be sure to check your local listings for SKI TRIP on LOGO.[ www.logoonline.com ]