Kenny X Hamlett

Get to Know Me…

Portland, OR

My name is Kenny! I am an international award-winning filmmaker whose work has premiered at major festivals including Tribeca. I have been trusted to collaborate with some of the world’s most recognizable athletes, including Venus Williams, and have directed international campaigns for brands such as Fujifilm, Columbia Sportswear, and Danner, among others. My passion for filmmaking began at a young age, but access—both external and internal—delayed my ability to fully explore it. Largely self-taught, I found my way back to the craft later in life, building a career rooted in curiosity, discipline, and lived experience. Today, my work centers on telling stories of Blackness in America—stories that exist beyond stereotypes and expectations, and that explore joy, grief, creativity, healing, and possibility. I believe filmmaking should do more than entertain; it should move people, challenge systems, and create space for deeper understanding. That same curiosity has shaped my relationship with the outdoors. I began hunting three years ago in the eastern United States, initially drawn to big game and convinced I would never connect with wing-shooting or waterfowl hunting. Instead, I found myself deeply moved by the ritual of chasing birds—early mornings, long hours in the blind, time with friends, and the quiet partnership between hunter and dog. Waterfowl hunting took my heart, leading me to fully commit, buy a boat and embrace the rhythm, patience, and community the pursuit demands. Today, I work at the intersection of storytelling, hunting, conservation, and culture. I am driven by a desire to turn personal passions into meaningful work—using film to invite more people into the outdoors, expand who feels welcome in these spaces, and document the joy and reflection found within them. In many ways, my career is a continuation of my younger self’s wildest dreams: creating work that matters, and leaving the door open wider for those who come next.

Favorite Caliber

20G or 12G

Fun Fact

I didn't go on my first camping trip until I was in my mid twenties and I have a twin brother who I think has never been on a real camping trip.