Xavier Smalls Is Shaping His Own Filmmaking Path

Xavier Smalls did not initially aspire to pursue acting. While enrolled at Sacramento State, the Sacramento local aimed for a career in orthodontics until an acting class, taken for extra credit, changed his trajectory.“I was extremely nervous,” Smalls shared, reminiscing about his inaugural performance.That pivotal experience prompted him to switch his major to acting, culminating in his degree, and a subsequent move to New York to hone his skills.“The thrill from acting parallels the rush of sports,” he notes. “It felt right; I wanted more of it.”This passion led to unexpected opportunities, including roles in Tyler Perry’s productions such as Netflix’s “Madea’s Destination Wedding” and the series “Beauty in Black,” establishing him as a versatile talent in the industry.Driven to create his own narratives, Smalls crafted, directed, and starred in the short film “Picture Perfect,” which delves into themes of mental health and communication.Last week, he premiered the film at the fourth annual Oak Park Black Film Festival in Sacramento, marking his debut as a filmmaker.