Young Guns 20: Imraan Christian

By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 02, 2022

Spotlighting the stupendous class of Young Guns 20

Nearly 100 renowned industry professionals made up the jury for Young Guns this year. And after revealing the 84 finalists, it is finally time to unveil the 31 winners who make up the class of Young Guns 20.

Every year, we add another class of young talent from all over the globe to the exclusive Young Guns community. The winners of Young Guns 20 are your next project directors, animators, designers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers, storytellers, coders, and writers. So this is your cue to follow them on Instagram immediately– because they are our industry’s future legends after all.

In two weeks, the winners will fly into NYC from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments, make new friends, have a few cocktails, and take home their official Young Guns Cube. We can’t wait to celebrate with them at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:30 PM– and we hope to see you there too!

Before the party begins, we took the time to get to know each of our winners so you can read up on the highly creative individuals who make up Young Guns 20.

IMRAAN CHRISTIAN
DIRECTOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, & FINE ARTIST

Based:

CAPE TOWN & JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Hometown:

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

SEE IMRAAN'S ENTRY

How did you first learn about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?

I've followed several of the past winners journeys, and have been immensely inspired by them.

Congrats on the first-time win! What motivated you to enter this year?

I'm a first time entrant - I feel that my body of work, and my voice, was ready for a competition of this gravitas. It was ultimately about letting the work speak.

Young Guns is as much an exercise in self-curation as it is in sheer creative talent. After all, you are only allowed to submit six projects. How did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?

It was really tough, but I was lead by the projects I love the most. The main areas I look at within my work are craft and voice– if they are both at the desired level, and compliment each other, then the work has a chance. Based on that, I chose my most beloved projects.

What went through your mind when you discovered that you won, especially knowing how difficult it is to make it into Young Guns? How did you feel?

It feels surreal and humbling. I got on the phone with my mom immediately and we were both overwhelmed with joy.

Define your personal brand in three words.

Rooted. Cinematic. Transcendant.

Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your career? Who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?

There are too many to name - each medium I work in has different mentors, and I'm grateful to everyone who has crossed my path and shared their knowledge.

Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire? What is it about their work that you love?

Saad Moosajee (YG18) for sure - I love his world building.

Name a professional dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!

I'd love to make a full length feature film, and also do a solo exhibition of my paintings and fine art photography in New York.