Today we’d like to introduce you to Seven (Malachi) King
Hi Seven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I never realized I was gifted until I was just a kid, doodling on paper, spinning tales that danced in the air, and catching glimpses of visions that others couldn’t see. My father, a member of the legendary Furious Five hip-hop group, taught me the rhythm of expression. Meanwhile, my mother, with her Puerto Rican roots, filled our home with vibrant colors and rich culture. For me, seeing life through a prism of creativity was as normal as breathing.
In my early 20s, I found myself standing at a crossroads. While the world expected me to follow in my father’s footsteps, I yearned to carve my own path—one that led me into the realm of film production. I became a self-taught filmmaker, driven by passion and a desire to tell stories that matter. That journey led to the creation of my hit web series, “Eden’s Garden,” which caught fire online and racked up over 2 million views on YouTube. You can check it out at www.edensgardentv.com. Creating that piece was both therapeutic and brave, an act of courage in a world that often shies away from the truth.
You see, art comes with its share of scrutiny. It’s a tightrope walk along the black and white fences of society, where politics and religion can cast shadows over the narratives we choose to tell—especially when it comes to the stories of those who transition. But “Eden’s Garden” was just the beginning. I thrive on humanitarian work and have committed myself to filming stories that celebrate diversity and human experience.
My journey has been filled with milestones—being part of Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative program, winning multiple film festival accolades, and sharing my voice at colleges and organizations across the country. Each experience has taught me that being a self-taught filmmaker doesn’t just make you versatile; it transforms you into an experienced editor, videographer, photographer, creative director, casting director, and acting coach. That list keeps growing!
Today, I freelance under the banner of Heritage Frames Media, proudly wearing the titles of creative director, filmmaker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur.
To everyone out there, I want to share this: follow your path to greatness independently. Embrace your gifts, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Dare to step away from the expectations placed upon you and chase your true calling. It won’t always be easy, but the journey will be rewarding. Your voice matters, your stories matter, and you have the power to inspire change through your art. So go out there and create. The world is waiting for your unique vision!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. From an early age, I chose to stand on my own, and that choice came with its challenges. Maintaining stability while chasing dreams often meant being overworked, especially without a partnership or relationship in the early stages of my career to help me balance it all in a healthy way. Many nights left me burnt out, and I found myself surrounded by people I had given my last to, who were still complaining about wanting more.
As an independent creator, self-funded and without a grant to this day, I’ve had to navigate a lot. I plan to apply for some in the future, but for now, I’ve dealt with the ups and downs of working with people in the transition world. I often operated with a team of literally no one, so I’m grateful for those who stepped up to help during various seasons of these ideas and processes.
I truly appreciate the genuine actors who stood by my side, regardless of the changes that came our way. I’m also thankful to the organizations that sponsored assistance, enabling me to spread the funding to completion. For years, I drove trucks to support both my projects and my livelihood, which consumed a lot of my time. Maintaining such large projects while life throws its curveballs is no joke.
I realized the strength it takes for a team of 100 people to bring a project to fruition. God blessed me with the energy, tenacity, and structure to align my spirit, mind, body, and soul. With this visionary and creative spirit, I feel unbeatable, and even the tough times have given me the grit, wit, and experience to sit here for this interview and to assist others in bringing their visions to life today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in feature films, documentaries, and episodic series within the drama genre. I also engage in motivational speaking and conduct workshops that explore creative pathways and foster understanding of gender identity. I’m known for my project, the “Eden’s Garden Series,” and I take pride in building a brand that has transformed into a business, allowing me to give back to the community in an uplifting way while carving out my own legacy.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering work ethic, my meticulous approach to completing projects, and my knack for telling stories and nurturing original ideas with ease. Just by being myself—a driven individual who hasn’t quit in over nine years—I continue to passionately await my big break in the industry. I believe that perseverance is key, and I’m here to prove that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me the most is freedom—the freedom to love as I please, to fall down and get back up as needed, to be who I am as a person, and to express myself without being confined by the expectations of what’s politically correct or deemed “normal.” It’s about finding peace and safety in stability, being true to myself, and pouring my heart and passion into everything I do.
We don’t live forever, and I’m determined to make my time here count. Life is a precious gift, and every moment is an opportunity to embrace that freedom, to strive for authenticity, and to leave a mark on this world that reflects my true self. It’s about living boldly, unapologetically, and with purpose—because in the end, that’s what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edensgardentv.com
- Instagram: papisevenking
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074806482283
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdensGarden
Image Credits
Image credits: Kollin Benson
