Meet Shawn Holiday | Filmmaker, Director, Screenwriter, Actor, also a Man Of GOD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawn Holiday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawn, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking to me means being goal oriented. Taking a risk is having faith that you will obtain the goal to completion. The path that you choose to go down in life is always a risk you’re taking for the good or bad. What risk are you willing to choose?

Taking a risk in my life matured me to become more than the situation I was going through. I had faith that every step I took will be added up for higher purpose in my life.

Taking a risk soared my faith in GOD; taking a risk allowed me to get out of prison, as a free man from being convicted from a wrongful sentence.

Taking a risk solved a lot of my problems but also made more problems, but I’ll always take a risk when it comes to becoming better for God, myself, son, and my community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m no superstar or anything I just believe that we all are stars. I see the bad in people but believe we all have flaws somewhere, but underneath the dirt there is a diamond in the ruff. I know what it feels like to be considered an outcast I know what it’s like to run with the lions, wolves, and sharks. I understand situations arise & life events and experiences transpire. So I push the individuals I meet & encounter to become greater and relevant & remain relevant.

I’m most proud about the fact that all those homeless cold nights, nights I didn’t eat or wash for days, the times when I had no one to answer the phone during a storm that knocked all the power out and I couldn’t take shelter for safety. If it wasn’t for me believing in myself and those who helped me make a film while in those situations I couldn’t stay strong. Telling myself this to shall pass have kept me whole. Amen. I’m glad I gave Mann Robinson a call.

It wasn’t easy getting to a point seeing a dream and Vision come to life. That storage was very uncomfortable and still is. There’s no shame because I know my faith is going to turn it all around. I overcame these challenges by prayer and having Vito, Aunt Gina, Felix, Tommy Glover to call and vent to. I keep walking towards what I believe. I came out of prison to produce my film and was determined to see it through. Then this little boy came along name Roman. Who is my son. Seeing him smile and not have a care in the world made me more energetic than I ever been to make a dream come true so I can show him if you believe I promise you, you can achieve it son.

I’ve learned a lot on this journey. It taught me stay true to who you are no matter who change on you, or who doesn’t believe in you. Trust and believe in God & also trust the process.

I want the world to know me as a black man who never discriminated on race or gender. I love all, and hope nothing but the best for us in our community. It is a deep desire & admiration to have the help of my black men to bring the next Million Man March to Atlanta GA.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends coming in town and looking for fun. I’ll ask first what kind of fun would you like to have. ATL has a lot to offer, so its better to be specific. I would start the day off with a nice brunch at Grits & Eggs. We would then slide around the city for the views, different sceneries & the ever evolving culture. After accumulating another empty stomach I’ll give them options depending on whether rooftop or inside. Personally I’ll just take them to Waygu House to start the pre warm up for the night. Once nightfall comes we going to pizookah lounge. I love me a zoo girl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give honor to my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Without knowing no weapons formed against me shall prosper. I would still be lost.

I would like to thank a brother by the name of Tommy Glover for being patient with me, for believing in the vision from day one. Thanks for your helping hand and service from New Magic Productions Network. Thanks for the word of wisdom and love.

I would like to give thanks to Mann Robinson. He heard my story and was inspired to hear how I had a dream and walked towards it. Thanks for your words of encouragement as a black man who encourages our community of black kings.

I would like to thank my cast and crew for standing firm in a very long awaited film to come out. Thank y’all for the passion and dedication you gave to the film Walk With Me in my True Story.

Honorable Ernest Gilbert , who was my attorney I would like to give you thanks for getting my sentenced overturned . In addition he is in the film as the judge who initially sentenced me wrongfully.

Shoutout to all the first time actors and actresses, but big salute to my mom for making her first debut.

Last but never the least, to my brother Javarius Tennyson. We started out in prison doing our first play and we kept our motto, “vision from prison” and now we’re in a film together that we created together. Love ya.

To all my supporters who helped me reach the end goal you know who you are. I love y’all so much and will see that we paved the way for many to come.

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