#BonfireStories — Introducing Filmmaker, writer Tyrel Hunt
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- When it comes to storytelling, where do you get your inspiration from?
I always want to tell stories that have some kind of importance or social significance to me personally. I never intentionally try to get inspired but when you view everything from a creative lens, there’s inspiration everywhere. My friends, girlfriend, family, and community are some of my biggest sources of inspiration. I’m a very quiet person, so just through listening and observing I get ideas for new stories.
2. Why was this story of “April Again” so important to tell?
This story was so important to me because I’ve never seen anything like it on screen. New York is such a hotbed for filming but rarely do people from Jamaica Queens get to see their community issues highlighted. I tried to add in as many societal issues as I could without being preachy. Gentrification is a huge thing in my neighborhood right now. And anyone who’s ever gotten on the train at Jamaica Station knows there’s a huge homeless epidemic. So I wanted to put a face to these issues so hopefully people would empathize with those that are dealing with it.
3. How did you prepare for your role as both the writer and director for the project?
I use to view myself as just a…