SourceTV: Pro Skateboarder Nyjah Huston talks documentary 'The Motivation'

Adam Bhala Lough (“The Carter”) returned to the Tribeca Film Festival last week with “The Motivation” an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable legacy of skateboarding, as eight of the world’s best skateboarders prepared for the annual street league competition held in New York. Founded by Rob Dyrdek of MTV’s “Rob & Big,” Street League is where true credibility is fought for and earned, as these professional skateboarders lay it all on the line. Leading up to the contest, each contender must overcome unique challenges—family pressures, injuries, money, fame and their own internal struggles—for a chance to win the big cash prize and coveted title of best street skateboarder in the world. The skaters featured in the documentary include Rob Dyrdek, Nyjah Huston, Chris Cole, Ryan Sheckler, Sean Malto, Chaz Ortiz, Paul Rodriquez, Luan Oliveria and Bastien Salabanzi..
The Source Magazine sat down with 18-year old skating super star Nyjah Huston. Check out what he had to say:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkJJVwqDCgo
Q: Was it weird to have cameras following you around?
Nyjah Huston: A lot of people ask me if it’s like, weird. It is a little bit, but for the most part I think it feels pretty natural, especially for that specific film, because I honestly had no idea that it was going to end up being such a big movie and I had no idea it was going to premiere at a place like Tribeca. I’m super psyched that it ended up being there and I’m so honored to be a part of it. But I think that is a good thing because while me and the other skaters were filming, I think they got the most natural reactions out of us, because we didn’t feel pressured as filming some like, huge movie, you know? So I think it was good.
Q: Was it strange to watch yourself on the big screen?
Nyjah Huston: It is a bit weird. I have no problem watching myself skate, but watching myself do interviews and talking to the camera, I personally don’t like it; it’s pretty weird. Because you always feel like you could do things better.
Q: You started your career super young and then you took a break and came back. Can you speak about that?
Nyjah Huston: Well, I mean, it’s interesting. I wouldn’t say I was away, because I mean, I was always skateboarding and I was still progressing in those couple years where people didn’t see me as much, and I would get a photo or video clip and mags and videos every now and then. But yeah, there was a couple years where I lived in Puerto Rico. For whatever reason, my dad wanted to move there out of all places; it was interesting. And then there was some falling outs that happened, but I think out of everything, the good way to look at it is it just made me stronger and it’s just made me want to come back stronger when I got back into everything.
Q: The film chronicles your relationship with your father. How is your relationship now?
Nyjah Huston: I haven’t talked to him for a while. But I honestly have faith that he’s going to come around and still, I think we’ll still have a good relationship in the future.
Q: If your dad saw the film, what would he say?
Nyjah Huston: I think he would think it was a really good, really well put together film, you know what I mean? As him being my dad, I’m sure he doesn’t want me in some wack movie, you know? So I think he would be proud of the guys who made it.
Q: What hip-hop artists do you listen to while you’re skating?
Nyjah Huston: Obviously Wayne, Rick Ross, all those guys are awesome. Lately, I’ve really been feeling Future a lot, I think he’s super sick; Chief Keef I really like listening to his songs, he’s sick. He’s young, too; he just turned 18 also, so sick person for me to kind of relate to. Let’s see a couple other guys… Always liked Kanye a lot. Yeah, basically those guys. Always listening to them, getting super psyched up before I go skate.
Q: What has been the highlight of being in “The Motivation”?
Nyjah Huston: I guess the best experience of the film was really I would say the film actually kind of motivated me more to fulfill my goal in winning that last contest for the championship. Because I was aware that it was based around that specific contest, so I was like, “Wow,” like, “I really want to win this.” So, I’d have to say, that’s definitely one of my favorite parts, is really being able to fulfill my goal and win that last contest. And then also, just the premiere was awesome. My mom was able to come out, and I really enjoyed her being out here and it was awesome seeing her on the big screen and talking. Yeah, it was really good.