JALLAL
“When Joslyn Rose brought the idea to me, I was honestly impressed. It meant so much, since time means so much to me. Personally I am always reminded by this chapter from the Quran which states “ By time, Indeed man is in loss, Except those have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience (Chapter 103).” It holds so much power for me when it comes to time and the oxymoron of being patient. So her vision went hand in hand with how the essence of time is just so impactful to me my music and art.”
‘Looking Glass’ a short film by Joslyn Rose Lyons, starring Los Angeles based artist JALLAL, embraces the struggle to overcome complacency, and embodies the spirit of Oakland’s creative community.
Watch the short film below:
JALLAL with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def)
“I met Jallal while attending an art opening at the MOMA, while hanging with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) we all connected on art, music, and the spiritual journey, the seeds were planted for us to create something together. When we got a chance to film Looking Glass at Bardo, a 1930’s inspired supper club in Oakland, and we invited many Oakland based artists and friends to appear in the short film. It’s a cinematic journey through a portal to the past. At the time of conceptualizing this piece, I had just finished reading a book called ‘The Big Leap’ which explores the concept of taking that courageous leap from your ‘excellence zone’ to your ‘genius zone’ something that JALLAL naturally exudes as an artist.”
JALLAL on set of ‘Looking Glass’, Photo: Bryon Malik
“The diverse cast and crew that came together to make this Oakland based short film, shows how one project can lead a community to come together. It was a blessing and miracle to see the hopeful energy that made this unique short film come to life.”
JALLAL with Mahershala Ali
As part of the tight-knit Oakland film community, Joslyn Rose Lyons is a rare female figure amongst talented men in film who have recently emerged from the region, including her peers Rafael Casal, Daveed Diggs, Boots Riley, Mahershala Ali, and Ryan Coogler. She deftly balances social justice work with commercial projects.
JALLAL with Too $hort, Blk Elvz, and DJ MOZA
With roots in hip hop (directing music videos for Talib Kweli, Too $hort, E-40, N.E.R.D., and more) Joslyn Rose has developed a career where art and commerce can co-exist and thrive. Joslyn Rose is part of the collective Cr8 Light Agency and one of the founders / curators at Museum of Light.