Writer/Filmmaker Dui Jarrod discusses his process for developing a great story, his Emmy-nominated series, King Ester, and how he uses stories to progress the “black narrative.”

How did you get your start with filmmaking?

I got fired from a job and decided to write my own narrative, start my own company, and position myself, not let anyone else be in control of my destiny. Initially, I wanted only to be a screenwriter, but after directing my first short film, I knew making films is my ministry. Come hell or high water; I'm here crafting my narrative, my way.

You previously stated that you realized many roles did not progress the "black narrative," which is one of the reasons you began writing. In what ways do you think your characters shift the black narrative, and what messages do you hope your audience gains from your films?

My work is all about one thing, challenging the norms of Black masculinity. It means so much to me because I grew up in the south and Black masculinity was toxic. I was forced to express my manhood on terms that weren't organic to me. I remember getting into with classmates, and it never failed; they would attack me by calling me a faggot or sissy. The insults chipped away at my self-esteem and left wounds that's taking me years to heal. I no longer harbor shame or guilt about where I've been or who I am, or what causes I support. I hope that my work is healing for other young Black men and allow them the space to be in a way that many of my brothers were not allowed.

You earned an Emmy nomination for your hit web series "King Ester." How was that experience, and what was the most memorable response you received from that project?

I know I'll always be able to look back at my experience with "King Ester" and know for a surety it was the difference in my career. For a Black man to get this much attention for such a challenging narrative is remarkable. There were so many beautiful moments, but the most beautiful response was from one of the series actresses, Dane Figueroa-Edidi. She affirmed my work, she saw the truth in Ester that reflected her beautiful journey, and she affirmed me. That meant the world to me.

What is your personal process for developing a great story?

I begin with the end in mind. Whenever I sit to pen a project, I first ask myself what larger question am I trying to answer. With "King Ester," it was, "What must one do to be seen?"

Then I take that thesis and find the most compelling character to need the question answered for their survival. Every character I construct, the situation I put them in, and the thought that runs through the protagonist's mind are testing my thesis—the greater the obstacles, the richer the story.

COVID-19 had a significant impact on the production industry over the last year. How has the pandemic changed your approach to filmmaking?

While COVID-19 has been a daily struggle, I think the pandemic that's challenged me as a filmmaker has been racism. It's a pandemic of consciousness that my ancestors and I have been fighting for generations. And much like COVID-19, you don't know where it will come from or how it will affect you. Since the country woke up to the realities of racism at George Floyd and Breonna Taylor's hand, I've become bolder in my work. The constraints on my voice have been stripped away, and I feel free to express my truth through my productions without retribution. My new stuff is nuanced, Black, and fearless. I can't wait to keep creating, God willing.

What's next for Dui?

Creative freedom is all I seek. I recently finished a feature script, and I don't think I've ever been more excited about anything I've ever written. I'm also in the process of wrapping post-production on an independent tv pilot I wrote and directed entitled "Last Name Unknown." It's about the homeless youth crisis and the power to find the self-efficacy to beat the odds. I'm also looking to date, real talk. I've been single far too long chasing this dream. So a healthy relationship not built on ownership would be dope as hell. I've gotten more fit in the pandemic, so I'm feeling myself right now.

What quote do you use as a source of inspiration for your life?

"I will be what I will to be" - God

For more on Dui, please visit www.duijarrod.com.