In a recent episode of “Show & Tell Boston”, the team introduced a rising star in the film world: 19-year-old Haitian-American filmmaker Nathan Bourjolly. Known for his ambitious vision and dedication to authentic storytelling, Bourjolly stopped by to share the inspiring journey behind his latest project—a self-titled sitcom that he and his team impressively shot over just 10 days.
At just 19, Nathan Bourjolly wears many hats: he’s an actor, producer, screenwriter, director, and aspiring preacher. Growing up in Randolph, Massachusetts, before moving to the predominantly white and Asian community of Lexington, he quickly learned to navigate multiple cultural identities. “I was always ‘too Black’ for some spaces and ‘too white’ for others,” Bourjolly explains, reflecting on the unique challenges that helped shape his perspective.
By day, he works as a patient access coordinator at a hospital, but his evenings are devoted to his true calling: storytelling. This dual life, he reveals, keeps him grounded while allowing him to pursue the creative passions that he considers essential to his well-being.
Bourjolly’s latest achievement is a sitcom that reflects his journey of navigating life between Haitian and American cultures. The story began as a script he wrote at 13, inspired by a high school crush, which eventually evolved into a series that speaks to the complexities of bicultural identity. Bourjolly self-funded the show and collaborated with Hop Top Films to bring his dream to life. The series stars a diverse cast, including Carl Pierre, who plays his on-screen father, and it offers a refreshingly nuanced take on the immigrant experience.
The series, shot over 10 intensive days in July, is set to premiere on December 14 at Crystalite Event Hall in Bellingham, Massachusetts—a celebration of Bourjolly’s hard work and the support he found along the way, including from his traditionally-minded Haitian parents who came to appreciate his dedication to his art.
Bourjolly credits much of his success to a work ethic centered around “thirstiness”—a relentless pursuit of opportunity and growth. For him, staying authentic in his creative work is essential, but he also emphasizes adaptability and the value of work culture in collaborative projects. “It’s about scratching that creative itch,” he says, underscoring his commitment to creating for the joy of the process, regardless of financial gain.
As Bourjolly prepares for his show’s premiere, he hopes to continue pushing boundaries and representing Haitian culture in Hollywood—a dream that once seemed far out of reach but now feels closer than ever.
