Christopher Ammanuel
“No one in the entire world has your fingerprint, so that makes you very special. It makes you, you. Put your fingerprints all over the world for positive change and live your dreams authentically only the way you can.”
as Antoine Bey in 1992
Interview by Nolwen Cifuentes
Photography by Irvin Rivera
Styling by Andrew Philip Nguyen
Grooming by Cynthia Angelina
Digital Tech by Phil Limprasertwong
Photo Assisting by Andrew Lopez
Congrats on 1992! How did you get involved with the film?
From the very first moment I connected with Ariel Vromen, our exceptional director, on Zoom, I knew that playing Antione was going to be an extraordinary experience. Ariel's genuine attentiveness to my vision for the character and his insightful feedback was instrumental in shaping and refining the role. This initial interaction was not only inspiring but also profoundly impactful, marking a pivotal moment in my creative journey. Ariel’s approach to directing is notably collaborative, a rarity in the industry. His ability to foster a supportive and open environment allowed us to explore and develop our characters with depth and authenticity. I am deeply appreciative of the space he provided, which enabled us to bring these characters to life in a truly meaningful way.
Tell me more about your character, Antoine.
My character Antoine, a 16-year-old, faces significant challenges in understanding the concept of forgiveness. His difficult upbringing, marked by a fractured family and an absent father, has left him burdened with deep distrust and emotional scars. As Antoine navigates his turbulent journey, he gradually realizes that his previous views of the world were too limited and that he needs to embrace both trust and love to move forward. Through Antoine’s experiences, I aim to shed light on the struggles faced by young people in similar circumstances. His story is meant to offer a sense of connection and understanding, providing insights that might resonate with those who find themselves grappling with their own difficulties. I hope his journey serves as both a reflection and a source of guidance for anyone facing comparable challenges.
From an acting perspective, how did you approach developing Antoine as a character?
To prepare for the role of Antoine, I immersed myself deeply in the context of the time period and the character's experiences. I began by researching extensively about the era depicted in 1992, studying historical articles, news segments, and independent reports to understand the social and cultural landscape. I sought out personal stories and accounts from friends, associates, and just everyday people to gain a more intimate understanding of Antoine's struggles. By combining historical research with a focus on personal narratives, I aimed to capture the essence of Antoine's experiences authentically. This thorough preparation allowed me to portray the character with depth and accuracy, reflecting both the historical context and his personal journey.
How was the experience working with Tyrese and this cast of legendary actors?
Collaborating with Tyrese Gibson was an incredible experience I will always cherish, but I must also emphasize how deeply I treasure working with the late Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood. Each of them displayed remarkable professionalism, and they provided invaluable lessons not only in acting but also in personal growth. They each brought their own unique strengths to the table, and I feel honored to have shared space with such exceptional individuals. The experience was enriched by many laughs, memorable moments, and intense scenes, making it all the more meaningful.
You played TC in Black Lightning, what was that experience like? And are you hoping to do more superhero projects?
Being granted the opportunity to portray TC was an absolute dream come true. I have to give a giant shout-out to Salim Akil, Mara Akil, Oz Scott, Greg Berlanti, Charles D. Holland, and anyone else who had a hand in making my dream a reality. Filming Black Lightning was one of the greatest experiences of my career. The camaraderie on that set and the relationships that were built will follow me for the rest of my life. I feel it was such an underrated show, and we had so much more to give. If the right opportunity comes, I would LOVE to step back into the hero suit. Maybe, Static Shock? Warner Brothers, call me.
I read online that your first love was singing and that you were in musical theater. Tell me more about that.
Musical theater is actually the reason that I am as far as I am in my career. Many moons ago, I was afforded the opportunity to travel with a major stage play. During that time, I swiftly found my purpose is storytelling on all fronts. The stage, specifically musical theater, allows me to dream and live. I will always live in the freedom I felt when I first stepped on that stage. Thank you, musical theater.
What’s your favorite musical?
This question genuinely stumps me because how am I supposed to simply choose just one? You’re forcing my hand, but my pick has to go to Hamilton, with Rent and West Side Story coming in tied for second. Picking a favorite musical is like picking your favorite child. It’s close to impossible.
What kind of genre are you dying to do next?
I’ve given the question so much thought. As an actor, we never want to get pigeonholed into being in the same genre over and over. A genre that I am yet to touch, that I am dying to touch would have to be period romance or romantic drama. I value love, and telling stories of love is something that I want more shots at.
Any words of advice for young, aspiring actors or filmmakers?
Your identity is in your fingerprint. No one in the entire world has your fingerprint, so that makes you very special. It makes you, you. Put your fingerprints all over the world for positive change and live your dreams authentically only the way you can.
✦
