RESILIENT: Janelle Abraham

JANELLE ABRAHAM | NEW YORK, NEW YORK

INTERVIEW Terrell “realife” black

VALIDATED: Being a native of Trinidad but currently residing in New York City, what’s your earliest memory of television and film?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: My earliest memory of television and film is seeing my father (soca artist Brigo) on television when I was a kid. 

VALIDATED: You moved to the US at the age of 15, what do you remember most about that experience and what was the transition like?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I remember thinking I was gonna be living in one of those Hollywood homes they showed us on TV in Trinidad, but came to Brooklyn where it looked nothing like that. 

VALIDATED: At one point in your life you were homeless and sleeping on the #2 subway train, what gave you the motivation to keep going and not just give up on life?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I knew there was something more out there in life for me than sleeping in a train station every night. 

VALIDATED: Opportunity knocked when you were discovered and invited to a casting call for a cameo in a music video. Who was the artist and how eye opening was the experience?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Ja Rule was the artist. They had wardrobe on set and I wasn't expecting that. It was a fun experience and I made some cool friends. 

VALIDATED: You were actually featured in several other music videos, who are some of the other artists that you cameoed with?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Busta Rhymes, Whitney Houston and Sean Paul.

VALIDATED: Your favorite music video experience is the collaboration between the late George Michael and Whitney Houston on the song titled "If I Told You". Why is this your favorite music video experience?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Whitney Houston was very down to earth. I always looked up to her, so it was fun actually being in the same room with her working. 

VALIDATED: Although you were in front of the camera you were curious about what went on behind the camera. What was it about being behind the camera that intrigued you? 

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I knew I can say so much to the world through the lens of my camera. That’s always been intriguing to me. 

VALIDATED: You’re a self taught film director and producer, how did you go about learning to direct and produce on your own?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I studied a lot, and when I was on sets for videos I was actually in… I spent a lot of time going behind the scenes and asking questions. 

VALIDATED: That resulted in you directing and producing music videos for numerous artist including Raekwon, Wyclef Jean, Method Man, and Jim Jones to name a few. But who was the first artist to take a chance on you and how did the opportunity come about?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: The first artist I shot a video for was an indie artist called "Ricky". He saw me in Sean Paul video and took a shot with me when I told him I could direct his. 

VALIDATED: Who are the top 3 artists on your bucket list that you’d like to direct and/or produce for and why did you choose them?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Al bee Al, Jay Z and Drake. I love how they deliver their stories and I would hope to one day bring one of their songs to life. 

VALIDATED: You worked under the umbrella of Spike Lee and  gained the mentorship of Mike Ellis. How did did the opportunity come about? 

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I was on a set for a commercial Spike was doing and Mike was an Assistant Director. During break time Mike and I started speaking about how it all was coming together behind the scenes, and he  remains a mentor to me til this day. 

VALIDATED: In 2017, you produced “Dope Fiend” starring Malik Yoba, which earned you the Newark Film Festival Award for Best Film. How long did the movie take to complete from start to finish and where does the achievement land on your bucket list?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Dope Fiend took about 6 to 8 weeks to complete and its my first Producer credit for a movie. 

VALIDATED: You also directed the documentary “24 Hours” about the Hip Hop duo Mobb Deep, what made you decide to pick Mobb Deep and what’s been the fan’s reaction to the documentary?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Actually, I didn't choose Mobb Deep, they had just signed with 50 and people were curious about what its going to be like  for them, being a G Unit member and I told Prodigy let me do a Documentary following them around as they promote their album. 

VALIDATED: As a creative what does freedom of expression mean to you?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: Freedom of expression is everything to me. 

VALIDATED: Are you working on anything currently and what does the remainder of 2023 look like for you?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: I'm currently working on  the Roy Jones Jr and Ndo Champ fight that airs May 13th on Pay Per View. I'm also shooting a TV series and have a few other projects in development. 

VALIDATED: Where can we support you on social media?

JANELLE ABRAHAM: My Instagram is @janelleab_.