David Velo Stewart is an award winning filmmaker, author and educator. Over the years, he has produced a plethora of hip hop films that have been distributed on
streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Most recently, Velo launched the TRILLVISION entertainment app (IOS & Android) to create a collaborative community that supports indie artists and creators. In his leisure time, Velo enjoys traveling with his family.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival? It was truly an honor and a privilege having our film, Eve After Dark screening at the Hip Hop Film Festival. It was a great experience. Since our film was in the At Home Screening category, our friends and family located all over the country had a chance to see our project.
Why are “stories from the culture” worthy of a platform? Stories from the culture is worthy of a platform because visibility and diversity is important. Hip hop culture is more than just the elements of Djing, MCing, Breakdancing, Graffiti. There is so much more to the culture that needs to be explored and showcased.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? When I finished my first hip hop feature film back in 2001, Hip Hop film festivals did not exist and thus finding a true audience who could understand my art was quite difficult. Today, this is not the case. Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film festival are a beautiful thing in that they are a true measurement of the growth and impact of hip hop films around the world.
4. What projects are you working on now? Currently, I am working with Alonzo Williams on a digital series called The Global Showcase. It is a new age talent show filmed live in Leimert Park, California featuring some of the best unsigned MC's, singers and comedians. The first season of The Global Showcase is currently streaming in my mobile app, TRILLVISION.