1992 AND NOW: CHRISTOPHER AMMANUEL SEES PARALLELS BETWEEN PAST RIOTS AND PRESENT MOVEMENTS

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, GROOMING: CYNTHIA ANGELINA, DIGITAL TECH; PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, PHOTO ASST: ANDREW LOPEZ, LOCATION: GRAPHICS METROPOLIS STUDIO

CHRISTOPHER AMMANUEL is carving his path in Hollywood as a storyteller with purpose- bringing depth and nuance to every role he tackles. From portraying Antoine in the powerful film “1992” to his broader advocacy for diverse narratives, Ammanuel is committed to pushing conversations about race, justice, and identity. “The turbulent backdrop of the LA riots heightened Antoine’s personal conflicts and added depth to who he is as a sixteen-year-old crying out for love,” he shares, revealing the careful research and emotional investment behind his portrayal. Working alongside icons like Tyrese Gibson and the late Ray Liotta, Ammanuel absorbed invaluable lessons in acting, but it’s his own life experiences that give his performances a rare authenticity. “Feeling emotionally isolated, devoid of support or love from those I needed most, was deeply unsettling,” he reflects, giving insight into how personal he makes each role.

Ammanuel is more than an actor; he’s a driving force for change in the industry, passionate about creating more space for authentic Black stories. His mission to break free from stereotypical roles is clear: “I aim to demonstrate that we can be more than just the thug or gangster archetype. We can be tech geniuses, superheroes, and compelling love interests.” Through his production company, Ammanuel is telling the stories that matter most to him, but his work on “1992” is especially close to his heart. “I hope this movie sparks conversations about the causes and effects of broken homes,” he says, underscoring his dedication to using storytelling as a tool for healing and progress.

Hi Christopher, how are you doing? What’s keeping you busy and creative recently?

CA: exploring new creative outlets, diving into some interesting reading, and working on a few collaborative writing projects. I’ve specifically been working on my production company and telling stories that I love.

Your character Antoine in “1992” is thrown into a turbulent time during the LA riots, while also dealing with complex family dynamics. How did you prepare for such a layered role, and how did the historical context of the film impact your portrayal of Antoine?

For “1992,” I prepared by researching the LA riots extensively and exploring personal stories from that time. Understanding the historical impact on individuals and families helped me portray Antoine more authentically. The turbulent backdrop of the riots heightened his personal conflicts and added depth to who he is as a sixteen year old crying out for love. It was a very rewarding process and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something so historically relevant.

Working with iconic actors like Tyrese Gibson and the late Ray Liotta must have been a memorable experience. What did you learn from them on set, and how did their presence shape your performance?

Collaborating with Tyrese Gibson and the late Ray Liotta was an incredible experience. Tyrese’s intense energy and depth within his acting showed me the value of fully immersing myself in a role, while Ray Liotta’s masterful technique and emotional differences provided invaluable lessons in subtlety and intensity. Their influence elevated my performance and left a lasting impact on my approach to acting.

Antoine's relationship with his father is central to “1992.” How do you relate to the father-son dynamics in the film, and what message do you hope audiences take away from their story?

I have been fortunate to maintain a close relationship with my father, AJ Darby, and to be influenced by numerous paternal figures throughout my life. From my late cousin Michael to Tyrese, who has served as a father figure in his own right, my experiences contrast significantly with Antoine’s. Remarkably, I am acquainted with many individuals like Antoine due to my own experiences in the inner city, making his struggles resonate deeply with me. I hope that Antoine’s journey illuminates the profound challenges faced by many young people from fractured homes as they seek love and understanding. Additionally, I aspire for this film to foster forgiveness, offer second chances, and encourage a meaningful dialogue on healing from the relational issues it explores.

The Rodney King verdict and the subsequent riots were defining moments in history. Did this backdrop influence the way you approached Antoine’s journey, and do you see any parallels with today's social movements?

Yes, I would say the Rodney King verdict and riots profoundly influenced my portrayal of Antoine, providing a foundation to build off of his personal struggles amid social unrest. Today’s social movements echo similar themes of systemic inequality and the fight for justice, drawing clear parallels with the issues Antoine faces, which are the same issues that we identify with today, that are so common across the world.

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You've mentioned that storytelling is a powerful tool for change. How do you see your roles, especially in films like “1992,” contributing to broader conversations about race, justice, and identity?

I believe that filmmaking significantly shapes our worldview and our capacity to embrace change. To me, filmmaking is essentially a form of entertaining education. Acting, as an art form, fosters dialogue on a range of topics and serves as a conduit for diverse forms of expression. Films such as “Green Book”, “The Hate U Give”, and “Rustin” exemplify how cinema can spark challenging and often controversial conversations. I aspire to create more thought-provoking films that inspire continued dialogue and contribute positively to societal progress.

From Black Lightning to “1992,” you've taken on roles that explore intense emotional and social issues. How do you decide on projects, and what drives you to choose these complex characters?

I typically select projects that I would be eager to watch even if I were not involved in them. I am passionate about challenging the stereotypical roles often assigned to us. I aim to demonstrate that we can embody more than just the thug or gangster archetype; we can be tech geniuses, superheroes, and compelling love interests. Our range is vast, our complexity profound, and we deserve the chance to showcase various facets of our identity. I am committed to being intentional with the projects I choose, striving to diversify the portrayal of artists and broaden the representation of our talents.

What was the most challenging part of stepping into Antoine's shoes, both emotionally and mentally?

The sensation of abandonment was the most challenging emotion to endure. Feeling emotionally isolated, devoid of support or love from those I needed most, was deeply unsettling. Mentally revisiting the emotional space I experienced with Trayvon Martin or George Floyd was incredibly taxing on my mental health. However, it was crucial to convey an authentic experience to the audience, who, I am sure, felt similar emotions during these traumatic moments in history.

With social media giving actors a platform beyond their roles, how do you use your presence to further the causes you care about, and how do you balance that with your acting career?

Social media can be a powerful platform to advocate for causes we care about. It can also be toxic and detrimental to the mind. I actually try my best to spend as much time away from social media as I can. Balancing this with my acting career involves careful time management and setting clear boundaries. I make sure to allocate dedicated time for advocacy work without compromising my commitments to acting. I will use my platform to push towards effective change while also protecting myself from the terrors of the media.

In a world where representation is increasingly important, how do you view your role as a Black actor in Hollywood, and how do you hope to contribute to more diverse narratives?

I hope to continue in the footsteps of the giants who came before me. The late James Earl Jones, the late Sidney Poitier, and the great Denzel Washington all play a part in the growth of the black actor in Hollywood. They have set a bar and a standard, giving us a guide to follow. It is imperative to continue beating the odds and going above the expectations attributed to us. Being great isn’t great enough, but being excellent is the baseline for us. I hope to shine my light and inspire the ones who will come after me.

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What do you hope audiences will feel or reflect on after watching “1992,” especially given its tense, emotionally charged narrative?

1992 is a movie that makes you realize that you need support, family, and love. Having someone in your corner who understands you and having a community that will fight for you is a must. The family dynamics in this movie are dysfunctional at best, but they highlight very real relationships that people can identify with. I hope this movie sparks dialogue about the causes and effects of broken homes, moving forward in how to fix them.

Looking ahead, what type of stories do you want to tell, and are there any genres or roles you haven’t explored but are eager to try?

My dream is to star in a romantic drama, which is a genre where you don’t see many black talent leads. I am eager to step into that space and tell our love stories. We deserve fairytales, don’t you think?

How do you maintain authenticity in your craft while navigating the pressures of Hollywood and the expectations placed on you as an actor?

I will act as long as I feel fulfilled. A part of the fulfillment is being authentic to myself as a performer. If I have to sell myself short to make it, I rather walk away. The moment I don’t feel happy, is the moment I lose myself. I won’t wait to get to that place. I want to stay in the vein of telling stories that are genuine and authentic to our journey, while also expanding and stretching myself to show the world what is possible.

What life experiences have shaped the way you approach acting, and how have they influenced the way you connect with your characters?

I have lived 10 different human lives, I feel like. My experiences from being homeless to having no lights or water, has shaped me into the person I am today. These challenges allow me to empathize with different situations, circumstances, and individuals. It allows me to connect with different mindset and perspectives. That’s important to live through different characters.

Finally, if you were a book, what book would you be and why? I would have to choose the 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This is a book that I live by and the principles of the book makes for a life that is well rooted in morals. It is an ultimate guide of self awareness, awareness of the world, and understanding of others, which is so important to lead a life full of purpose. That book has changed my life.

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