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

Hi Kenneth, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up in a family full of musicians, writers, historians and painters is definitely a major contributing factor. My grandmother was key in cultivating my imagination the most. Playing “pretend” with me at the drop of a hat. Teaching me about how to tell stories. She was my own personal Mr. Rogers. However, if I had to pick one thing that caused that pivot in my psyche, it would have to be the first time film made me feel it. Ill never forget it, Watching Jaws for the first time and feeling so much suspense and fear that I could not control. I recognized how I felt and had a bit of an out of body experience. I thought to myself, “I want to do that, I want to make other people feel something they will never forget. I want to make movies.”

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.
Creatively, my work is usually a product of pure dreams or imaginative genre bending. I have those kinda dreams where you can walk around and even smell the environment. The kind that make you question what reality is after. I have written many stories around these dreams. Im most proud of the amazing team of artists whom are with me. Getting to where I am today professionally spawned from cultivating lasting relationships. Bartering time or helping someone reach a goal in their life or career. For instance, I like to challenge my actors with roles that will help their reels shine. Lots of time and effort go into rehearsing and making sure the actor and I create the best art we can together. Nothing was easy about getting to where I am. From dealing with childhood abuse, homelessness, and the mental illness of depression and suicidal thoughts. Film became my therapy. My way of dealing with past traumas on screen. Ive learned through my faith, lasting relationships and expression in art that I am not alone and I can do anything I put my heart into. I want the world to know that imagination is not dead. That originality still has roots in film. That no matter where you come from, that you and your stories matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week huh? Well Id start at the crib! Play some video games from my massive old school collection. Then (after I threw down in some Smash Bros) hop over to Decatur Avondale area for some lunch at My Parents Basement. Play some pinball, have a beer, buy some comics. Yeah you heard right. You can do all of that there! From there we would hop on over to AMC North Dekalb where the movie tickets are the cheapest in the city. After the flick, we go to Twains for dinner. Grab some beer and a fire original meal while we shoot pool or play darts. Thats just one day!! Throughout the week, we would hit up Cosmic Subs, grab a meal and see a local band at The Earl one night, kick it at The High while we philosophize about what each piece means and if we got the cash hit up the Brick Store Pub in Decatur for some fine steaks and whiskey. Theres plenty more but thats just what comes to mind in the moment!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My film partner and co-founder of our company Barna Lumpkin Jr. He’s always been the most helpful creative and a man of his word. I’m sure we could do well on our own, but together we are the strongest team. As a directors duo we are called the “Bezalel Brothers.”

Website: kennethforrester.com

Instagram: @tgwpllc

Youtube: thegreatwallp

Other: thegreatwallproductions.com

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