Independent films like this have the challenge that there are deeper meanings, cultural mores, and so much more. Who will enjoy this film … Who is your audience and what do you hope they take from this film?

My audience is people with a soul. There’s so much loss, pain, and horror in this world. I didn’t want to tell a story that was disturbing. I wanted to bring a moment of joy and comfort to the audience. My audience is an international group who are willing to take a trip with an Immigrant driver and a cat. In the end, I hope the audience will leave with a smile and an appreciation for all that is beautiful and simple. There are low budget films being made. Someone referred to Strays as a ” no budget” film. That is probably true, but on the other hand, I spent most of my life savings to make this because I couldn’t live with myself if I hadn’t. I hope the audience will see things with their heart as well as their eyes.

You are part of a trend … Broadway actors appearing in independent film and television. How did you get these celebrities to get on board? 

I reached out to my friends and asked them to consider helping tell a beautiful story. I was blessed to bring on so many respected actors from the New York stage. My cast read the script and fell in love with the idea. We filmed this during the SAG strike. I didn’t think this would happen. Luckily, since I was using most of my life savings, SAG-AFTRA allowed us to film. On the day that most of the cast were set to film in Coney Island, it was raining terribly. These amazing souls got on the subway and traveled all the way through Brooklyn to film their scenes. For that I am forever grateful to them.

You yourself are a Broadway celebrity … how was it to work on “The Band’s Visit.” 

Thank you, but I am not a celebrity. If anything, I’m a respected working actor, and that is something I’m proud of. I’m respected and liked. In 2008, I was frustrated. I walked into a movie theater and saw the film The Band’s Visit. It literally changed my life. It was so simple yet so pure and beautiful. I remember saying to myself that I wished to someday do something as meaningful. In 2017, creatives took a risk and decided to include me in the Broadway company. I am forever grateful for that opportunity. The story touched me. It still touches me. I never wanted it to end. When the show closed on Broadway, I spent 2 years traveling North America with the First National Tour. I kept a detailed journal of the tour and have turned it into a book. I’m hoping to get it published. What’s extremely life changing is that during the show’s run, I got to meet and befriend Eran Kolirin, writer and director of the film. He is very aware of Strays. When I was in pre-production, I reached out to him for advice. I told him I was scared. He told me it’s good to be scared. He also told me to make this film and love it. Thank you, Eran.

Jamal ended our conversation by letting us know he is on tour once again: As I answer these questions from my hotel room, on tour with the Broadway production of The Kite Runner – another truly beautiful story. I swore to only do beautiful and moving work and I’ve been lucky to be doing so. The tour closes at the end of June. I am a jobbing actor, which means I have auditions. I have another short script I hope to someday make happen. If Strays does well, hopefully, I’ll not have such a difficult time saving money, but I must focus on bringing Strays to the public. It’s truly a lovely story and I hope it’s embraced by as many festivals as possible. Thank you.