In a world where everyone is chasing their own version of success, it’s inevitable for them to face challenges. But those with chops are likely to overcome their own vices using their capabilities to their advantage no matter what comes their way.
This exact philosophy is dramatized in a new seven episode melo-drama series created by Hakim A. Khalfani AKA HAK titled CHOPS.
It follows the lives of three talented individuals dealing with some form of mental health issues and fighting to make their own way through Detroit’s creative scene while confronting denial, isolation, exploitation, and the truths they can no longer outrun.
Despite chops being defined as the ability, skill, or experience needed to do something well, especially one who acts, HAK reveals it’s a word used in his Hollywood circle of colleagues.
“If an actor is good or exceptional, we say we like his or her chops. If an actor is a little green? We say no chops”. says HAK
Not only is CHOPS something many people can relate to having but for HAK in a way, it shares a bit of his personal story allowing him to reflect on similar experiences.
One being the early stages of making the series, which he reveals that those closest to him struggled to understand his vision and the sacrifices he made to make the project a reality.
“I’m putting so much into my craft and they’ll say hey, why don’t you get a job? Why don’t you get a new car?… Because I’d rather invest in myself”…HAK explains. “You have to believe in something you can’t see. That’s faith… That’s what this whole thing is about.”
In addition to having faith and touching on mental health in the African American community, HAK also confronts unresolved trauma and the effects of it as he says healing is a process, not an overnight transformation.
“I said season one is awareness. Season two is healing,” He explains. “Or treatment. So, it becomes a process. This doesn’t happen overnight. This is the whole process. From season one through how many seasons we go, it’s all healing.”
Through its characters, the series explores what can happen when people finally begin to recognize the experiences and emotions they have spent years avoiding—and what it takes to move forward.
Ultimately, HAK says he is less concerned with whether CHOPS wins accolades and more interested in how people respond to the story. “I don’t care if I win or lose. I just want to know what you think.” HAK says.
The public will have a chance to experience CHOPS for themselves during the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta this week, where the series will premiere Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. The series is featured in the festival’s web series category.
For screening information and tickets, visit the festival registration page on its official website.
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