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THE INTERVIEW

October, 2026

JAE GRIND

DIRECTORS OF DEVOUR TRAUMA

BEST ACTOR

Jae, tell us a bit more about yourself

Hey whats going on my name is Jae Grind from the bronx. Im a director writer hiphop artists actor martial artists. I enjoy art and creating stories to uplift and inspire others even myself;

Where does your desire to be a director come from?

My desrie was to write a story for others who cant speak for themselves or too busy with life and someone else can speak to them and for them. Directing wasnt in my vision but to support others in thier endeavors. Giving and making sure I create a atmosphere of hope.

What is your background?

Besides acting directing and rapping. Im a physical Education Teacher, mma instructor and a personal trainer.

What were your references for Devour Trauma?

My past pain experiences. As well as looking deeper into other topics thats not touched on.

The characters each carry their own pain and struggles. Was there a particular experience or observation that helped shape these characters?

What shaped them was thier choices circumstances environment and thier personal beliefs.

Jae your film won Best Actor at the RED Movie Awards, what does that mean to you?

It means a lot to me. And that means that I’ve done a great job as an actor director and writer and I stand out.

How did you work with the actors?

Having a good relationship with them.

Growing up in the Bronx, surrounded by such a strong cultural and musical history, how did that environment shape you as an artist?

It shaped me because my roots is from the birthplace. My responsibility is to tell a story from the roots of hip-hop and stay true to its art and around me was a reason for me to tell a story and use what was meant to be an outlet/coping mechanism to inspire the whole world.

Your director statement is: “Whatever you do! Whatever we do! Make an impact!” What kind of impact do you hope this film will have on its audience?

The impact i hope the film had on the audience is to understand your pain and others are going through it too. Come together build together take care of each other as a gift we are.

Do you have an anecdote to share with us in particular?

Help is stronger than ego.

What is your next project?

I would love to tell you but its in works you’ll see.