#BonfireStories — Introducing Filmmaker, writer Tyrel Hunt

Tyrel Hunt | Photo Credit: Erewil Ferreira

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1. 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 screenwriter and I tried the best I could to find someone to direct my work. I guess I felt like since I didn’t go to film school I wasn’t qualified at first. Eventually I realized that this was something I could do and began preparing for it. I learned everything through watching critically acclaimed movies and then really bad movies and trying to see what separates them. I also probably watched every how to video on YouTube as well haha. So yeah, basically the writing thing was always me, but I had to convince myself that I could be a leader on set and direct.

4. Tell us about being vulnerable in your work? Do you think there’s a line?

I think the ability to be vulnerable is a plus, especially as a writer. So much of the dialogue is my actual thoughts, fears and frustrations voiced by the character. As far as there being a line, I’m not exactly sure but if there is I haven’t reached that point yet. Right now it’s just therapeutic that I…