We recently had the chance to connect with Malik Salaam and have shared our conversation below.
Malik, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am definitely walking a path. It is interesting because I can remember having no clue as to where I was going in my career. I feel like for once in my life, I have figured out where I am going and I even have some clue as how I am going to get there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Malik Salaam. I am a writer, director, and producer for A Malik Salaam Film Company. I think the most unique thing about the films I produce is that I feel like what has been classified as hood films, can actually have a lot of emotional depth and can be artistically layered. My goal is ultimately to examine the Black Experience in all of its nuance.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I spent a lot of my life in survival mode. This thought that you have to constantly be on the chase… always hunting and gathering. I feel a need to release that as I enter into this new phase of my life. I want to be properly aligned. Surrounded by people and engulfed in spaces that feed me and see me in my most divine state.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t know if I have ever given up. My super power is my ability to stay in the saddle no matter how many times life tries to through me to the ground. Even when I am thrown off… I scramble with all of my effort to get back on and continue the ride. With that said, there are times when I have to take a knee and lick my wounds… but I am determined to continue.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I feel like I am authentically who I truly am. I don’t try to hide my flaws or code switch or hide behind a mask. I sometimes think its a gift and a curse to not walk around, always presenting only the best parts of me… But at the end of the day, I prefer that people see the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly because prim and proper seems like to much work to maintain.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I think I play down my wisdom. The depth of my experiences and the things I know… I don’t like to come off as a know-it-all and sometimes in the avoidance of that title, I can play myself too small.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amaliksalaamfilm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afilmtown/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliksalaam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malik.salaam.7/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@malik4salaam
Image Credits
All photos by Kim Salaam
