AUTHOR/FILMMAKER

LLR RECENTLY INTERVIEWED HENRY JOHNSON. Henry is an upcoming Liberian poet. He recently completed his second book which is a collection of poetry.

LLR: Henry, welcome and thank you for doing this interview. Our first question covers the basic- YOU. Kindly tell us a little about you­ your early childhood, upbringing, education. 

Well, I was born in Monrovia, Liberia. I left Monrovia when I was 6 years old. I have been to other places around the world. But, I was pretty much raised in Aurora, Colorado (USA) I attended Side Creek Elementary School which is located in Aurora, Co. Attended Side Creek in the 5th grade and then I moved on to Mrachek Middle School through 6 to 8th grade then on to Rangeview High School for a year and then did the last 3 at Gateway High School In Aurora, Colorado (USA.)

LLR: What inspires you to write generally? 

I write for the voiceless.  Never thought I'd say that as it sounds so wanky but it's true. The desire to get something down on paper that I can feel in my gut. Dreams, Nightmares, Vision, Life, Peace, Love, what could be, what could not and fantasies. Emotion, imagination and a need to create something. Not just something, but something that will live forever.  

LLR: Who are some of the people/things that influence you? 

Life in General, but I am mostly influenced by Martin Luther King Jr, Bantu Stephen Biko, Thomas Sankara, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks, W.E.B . Dubois, Hale Salassie and the list goes on 

LLR: What role does your family play in your writing?  

They are the center of everything. 

LLR: Why did you choose your profession? When did you know you wanted to act or do 

movies? 

I chose my profession because Liberia is way back in everything. I want to be the first person to put Liberia’s film on the world map. I want it be known across the globe, that kids in Australia, Asia, Europe or South America can even know about it. I want the world to see that there are also positive sides to Liberia regardless of the 14 years civil war and the stigmatization of Liberians due to the Ebola crisis. I do believe that art is a way in order to form a more just society. 

LLR: All things considered, do you wish you had chosen differently?  

Nah, it was the right chores, because art is life. I want to live forever through my works.

LLR: If you could change/improve one thing about you, what would it be? 

None, because those things make me who I am.

LLR: What’s the biggest mistake you almost made? 

None, I live life as it comes. 

LLR: What character traits do your friends use to describe you? 

Goal oriented, positive, educated, brilliant, masterminded and determine.  

LLR: How would you describe yourself using five words? I know it is not much but…  

Driven 

responsible 

social 

dedicated 

intelligent 

patient 

reliable 

friendly 

achiever 

positive 

organized 

energetic 

ambitious 

bold  

LLR: Tell your fans two things about yourself they don’t know about you. 

I am a Patriot, dedicated first to my family and second to my country. “Liberia gave life, America gives me a dream.” I want to see good come out of Liberia. 

LLR: Would you consider yourself a big­picture person or a detail­oriented person? 

Detail-oriented 

LLR: There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? What would you be doing?  

Number one on my list would be home. I would be in Liberia, helping poor kids that’s in need and working with the Liberian government on ways to better our citizens life. Secondly, I would also travel to the Philippines because my son mom is from there. But my main reason would be to help Filipino poor kids that might be in need. Because there are more poor people in the Philippines and it’s sad. Because their government is just like ours.

LLR: Let’s talk books. What are your favorite Liberian books? Why do you love them? 

“This child will be great.” By President Sirleaf. That’s the only Liberian book that I will read over and over. Because in the future, I would like to sit down with President Sirleaf in order to bring her story to the big screen. But when it comes to it, I like me some Maya Angelou, she’s soulful. 

LLR: Can you talk a bit about the inspiration for In Delight? Why that title? What were some 

of the things that motivated you and kept you going? 

“IN DELIGHT” comes from the soul. It is a strong feeling of satisfaction. Something that  draws attention. I pick this title, because anything we do in life we must do it out of “delight.” With great pleasure of doing what one love, success follows. The title also comes with life experiences that I have had. “ In delight” is also a poem that’s written. A poem that got my soul all out.

LLR: What is your writing process? How do you do it? How do you pick your topics? 

I write at night when it’s quiet, that way I can focus. Writing for me is a way to get away. It gives me hope when I am hopeless. Most of my topics touches on life experiences and current situation we are facing in the world. Whether it’s racial, corruptions or injustice.

 Most of my poems were written 5 years ago, when I was just getting into college. 

Fresh outta High school. Some are a ways down to around Middle school days. 

LLR: As a Liberian author, what advantage/disadvantages are there?   

The advantage is that, expression is the key to open up dialogue. The disadvantage is that some Liberians, not all, does not love to support each other. Some hate to see the next man successful. But my focus is the world market. I would love to reach others with my work then just Liberians. I want the world to feel me. 

LLR: How has Liberia influenced your works, and what do you think of the future of writing in Liberia? Where do you think it is headed? 

Liberia is the root of everything. Without Liberia, there’s no existence of “ME.” Liberia has played a huge part in how I  view the world. But being that I didn't grow up in Liberia, there are distinction of approach in how I paint a picture. It comes through the Americanization, the twist of words and the whole 9. Writing in Liberia would be great, but first I want my name to be out there. When it comes to“art”, I don’t really think about tomorrow. Because the greatest American playwrights,  Edgar Poe died before his work even became famous. So I go with the flow until one day that big break will come.  

LLR: What is your impression about Liberian movie industry? Where is it headed?  

The Liberian movie industry could be great. It would do way better if we start focussing on Liberian stories instead of trying to copy Nigerian/Ghanaian/Hollywood movies. We should Liberianize the industry, by telling Liberian stories but at the same time, getting world audiences to relate. The Liberian government also should take some responsibility by helping the industry. Because filmmaking would create jobs for the youth of Liberia. It could also help in the rebuilding of Liberia. Because film educates and can also change and transform lives.

LLR: Are you working with any Liberian literary group [home/abroad]? Or any Liberian author? 

No. 

LLR: We have a growing movie/film industry in Liberia; we have made strides, but in hindsight do you think that we have done enough, all things considered? Or could we 

have done more?  

We can do more,  In America, entertainment is big business. We can also make it a million dollar business in Liberia and create revenues. We can create the emergence of cinema and not just make films to sell in our markets but make films for festivals around the world. Films that will also do well in world markets and would have people saying “You should buy that film, it’s a Liberian made movie.” We should work together on common goals to give Liberia a positive “IMAGE” in the world. And I believe through the “Arts” Liberia could be reborn.  The industry haven’t done enough, because we have failed to get our work recognized by international film committee, a great film industry must learn to compete on international level .And I do believe if we keep on working hard with great actors, writers, producers and directors who have earn a B.F.A. One day, we will get there. 

LLR: What are the greatest challenges for a modern Liberian writer especially in terms of publishing, distributing and promotion, in just getting out there? 

Haters, because our own people would hate to see one succeed. But at the end of the day, we have haters in every culture and at the end of the day it’s up to you to push on and make your dream a reality. 

LLR:  What do you think of the future of writing and publishing in Liberia? 

Anything is possible and the future belongs to God. 

LLR:  What do you think of digital media in general? 

In my opinion, the Media could be accused of “Sensationalism.” 

LLR:  What is your view on E­books and self­publishing? Have you used either? 

I have not used E-books, but I have heard wonders.  

LLR: Would you advise writers [published/aspiring] to use E­book or Self­publishing? 

Of Course, because it puts the power in your hands and taking publishing to the next level. 

LLR: What advice would you give aspiring writers?  

When you write, write from the gut, heart, mind and soul. Put your soul all out,  

LLR: What are you currently working on? What are some of your future projects? 

God, willing in May of 2015, I should be in Bangkok working on an Indie International Thai Film. I am hoping it all goes well.