As the world has experienced this extended season of loss, people have been looking to art for healing and comfort. When TV's Batwoman actor Camrus Johnson found out his dad was losing his best friend, he made a short film to express his feelings. Johnson joined L.A. Times Today to share his story.
Talking to his dad about the short film felt awkward for Johnson, but it was all worth it after watching it.
"I was like, 'Hey, I made this thing for you, and we are going to watch it now.' So, I played it, and I did not look at him the whole time because I was nervous about how he was reacting. And when the credits rolled, I looked at him, and he was sort of staring forward, and after a moment, he just started bawling and kept saying that it was amazing. Then I started crying, we started hugging, and it was the most vulnerable I have ever seen him and probably the most vulnerable he has ever seen me," Johnson said.
Johnson said he chose animation for his short film because he did not know how to talk to his dad during the grief.
"We were talking on the phone, and I hear his voice cracking. I could tell he had been holding back his tears, and I was not sure how to ask if he was OK and tell him that I was there for him. And, I learned that the best way for me to communicate with people is through art," Johnson added.
One of the short film's other goals was to highlight the importance of friendship among Black men.
"I find friendship—especially best friendship—to be one of the most incredible and beautiful things in the world. What we have been taught in the world is that men should not be passionate about each other and should not show too much love for one another because it is not manly. And that is not true. I feel like passion is for everyone, men and women, and everyone in between—but also for Black people. I feel like we've been taught to be strong and not show emotion; we're taught that we should be proud of it, and I disagree. From seeing my dad and uncle's relationship, these two Black men who showed so much love for one other; they would travel for each other when one was in danger, and they would call each other every morning. The fact that they had all this love for one another, it showed me that all the things that we've been taught are wrong," Johnson said.
When Johnson's uncle was in his hospital bed, his dad would cross state lines to check on him.
"He went from Georgia to North Carolina, and it was during the week when it happened. So, he would go to work, drive right after work, and come back the morning of right before work. That is what I mean; that was his person. Some people would say he is doing too much, but that is what he needed to do, and that is what he did. And, I am glad that he did it. I hope with this film there will be more people, more men out there, where if your male friend is in danger, you're willing to hop in the car and drive state to state to be there for him," Johnson added.
Johnson said his short film has resonated with many people, and they appreciate him for creating it.
"When the film became public last week, I have been getting a lot of people to say, 'thank you,' which I am still trying to put my head around because that is something I was never expecting. Many people were saying that their dad is their best friend, or some had lost their uncle, dad, or best friend. Even though this film was made for me to help my dad heal and in a way to help me heal in the process, I never expected that it would help so many other people heal for the same thing. And if it did not help people heal from grief, it reminded people to call their loved ones, which has been incredible. The messages that my dad and I have been receiving since it has been online [have] been incredible," Johnson said.
Grab My Hand is available on Vimeo at Moon Jelly Pictures, and you can see Johnson in season two of Batwoman, Sundays at 8 p.m. on the CW.