James Calinda
1976 - 2025
Creative, Artist, Activist
Beloved Member
of the GFS Community
Recently, Ghetto Film School lost a treasured member of our community, James Calinda.
James had taken part in one of our first GFS classes, back in the early 2000s, and has provided light and love across the organization ever since. James was creative, insightful, intuitive, and understanding. In the words of one GFS alumnus,
”Whenever you saw James, that was the best part of your day.”
We are deeply saddened by his passing, and want to share with our network the best ways to honor his life and his family.
On Sunday, August 10th from 2:30PM - 5:00PM, The Calinda Family is hosting a service at Granby’s Funeral Service in The Bronx (4021 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10466). If you are interested in attending and honoring James’ legacy, you are welcome to sign up here <GOOGLE FORM LINK>, and we will communicate your attendance to the family.
As James’ legacy touched innumerable people across our community, we have also included a section to share photos, videos, and quotes, from our time with him. It’s our hope to compile and share these memories so that James’ presence and purpose can reach even further. If you would like to share your sentiments in-person, we’ve also included a section regarding speaking at the service.
And if you are interested in donating to support the service, his family has setup a GoFundMe page which you can access here.
A Personal Note from the Calinda Family
”James Calinda was a bright, creative soul who lived life with passion and determination. As a talented filmmaker, James poured his heart into every project, always dreaming of becoming the greatest Black filmmaker. Though recognition sometimes eluded him, his family and friends saw his brilliance and the unique way he viewed the world. James faced mental health challenges throughout his life, and despite his strength, these struggles ultimately took him from us too soon. His family will always remember him as the greatest filmmaker they ever knew, and his legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched.”