Born and raised in Saskatchewan, NYC transplant Michael Harrison is an actor/director/writer/comedian. He has acted in several TV shows that have aired on TBS, NBC, MTV, and Bravo. As a comedian, Michael also taped a nationally syndicated half-hour comedy special that aired across North America and a Dry Bar special! Avid radio listeners may have also heard his comedy on several programs all over Sirius XM where he is in constant rotation. His comedy album “Freak Laugh” debuted at #1 on I-tunes, Spotify, and Amazon. In 2020, Michael began writing, producing, directing, and starring in a series of his own satirical shorts. These shorts include the mockumentary "Selfish History Channel", animated classic "Basement Biden", and the award-winning "Delusional Man at Work". He just completed his latest work, "Where's my White Privilege?"
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival? The Hip Hop Film Festival is an event I highly recommend submitting to if you are a filmmaker. As an artist, my main goal of applying to film festivals is to acquire distribution and recognition so that I can have my work seen by as many people as possible. In both regards, I think this festival keeps that in mind and has a great system in place for serious filmmakers to achieve these goals.
Why are stories from the culture important? You can’t have culture without the stories. The stories that we all have created and shape what culture becomes. Coming from an immigrant whose work is getting positive reactions from his new country, I feel very heard by a culture I am finding my own place and identity in.
What projects are you working on now? I am currently shooting a role on a new TV show for Universal Studios and just created a bi-weekly improv comedy podcast that has been gaining major momentum in the USA, Canada, Russia, India, and the UK. It’s called “Character Debates”.Check it out!
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? Both are remarkable and welcoming platforms to propel and encourage filmmakers from all experience levels. By adopting a community vibe into their mission statement, I think my favorite thing about these organizations is their willingness to nurture, teach, and connect communities that might feel unwelcome by this industry. I think that is why I am seeing so many fresh and fascinating stories being showcased through them.