The killing of Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old Black male changed everything for Kirkman. 

“The events of the Ferguson uprising from 2014 to 2015 was a turning point that sparked something within me,” says Kirkman. “Being on ‘Ground Zero’ with my friends and peers, protesting the injustices, I witnessed firsthand my community’s strength and the fight for justice. As someone with a passion for sci-fi and fantasy, it made me feel more of a responsibility to use my voice and talents to make a difference and connect those stories to the real world.”

Born from the trauma and chaos was “Underneath: Children of the Sun.” 

“‘Underneath’ really is a manifestation of my love for science fiction and Afrofuturism,” says Kirkman. “This story dives into the complexities of identity, heritage, and futuristic possibilities, reflecting both my personal journey and my aspirations to have something meaningful to say to the world.”

“Underneath; Children of the Sun” references both contemporary and historical forms of African culture as material for a futuristic narrative. 

“Science fiction has always been a huge influence in my life,” says Kirkman. “Even as a kid, I was drawn to the possibilities sci-fi presented, the ability to imagine worlds beyond our current reality and explore profound philosophical questions through storytelling. This genre has always had a unique way to address complex issues, like how ‘Star Wars’ was commentary on war and terror resistance, which aligns perfectly with my goals as a filmmaker.”

“Afrofuturism is a powerful tool for reimagining the future through a lens that centers Black experiences and creativity,” explains Kirkman. “It allows us creatives to break free from the often one-dimensional portrayals of Black life in mainstream media. So by emphasizing Afrofuturism, I’m creating a space where Black people are not only present but are central to the narrative, shaping their own destinies and exploring possibilities that go beyond traditional borders. We’re reclaiming our past, celebrating our present, and envisioning a future where we are the architects of our own stories.”