J. Gino Cyrus is a first-generation Guyanese-American who grew up in Orlando, Florida. With over 200k views on his Youtube channel, Gino enjoys transforming into his rap alias – Young Jahcee . With a Master’s in Screenwriting, most of Gino’s films/music videos were shot and edited by himself. Gino’s intended message with Skool Yah is to remind artists, specifically hip-hop musicians, to authentically create music no matter what's commonly perceived as profitable.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival? My experience was virtual! Although I wasn't in NYC to attend, the interns and administrators at HHFF/Harlem Film House made me feel as if I was actually there. Due to their engaging social media campaign and informative email blasts before and after the fest, I feel that I was just a part of this festival as anyone who attended in person.
Why are stories from the culture important? If we don't tell our own story, who else will? It is our responsibility to share our experiences, not anyone else's.
What projects are you working on now? I'm currently working on a feature-length film, a TV series and several songs.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? The Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important because you all give a voice to the voiceless! Considering two music videos I wrote, directed, produced, and starred in ("Skool Yah" and "GamGino") were accepted into the HHFF film fest, along with earning Best Screenplay for a hip-hop pilot I wrote in grad school entitled "Death II Debt, your platform reassured me that they are people in this world that are interested in the content I create.