Dui Jarrod is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and playwright residing in Brooklyn, NY best known for BROOKLYN. BLUE. SKY. It is the first acquired web series for BET Networks after winning the Xfinity Best Web Series Award at the American Black Film Festival. His new series, "King Ester" has been acquired by Issa Rae, Color Creative with its first season out now. Jarrod’s work focuses on the power of human connection in the landscape of America.
Tell us about your experience at Hip Hop Film Festival? I'm been super blessed to have had two projects in the festival in separate years. It's always wonderful to see the way CR puts together a platform aimed at primarily black filmmakers in focus. Of course, you have the dope screenings, dope panels, and dope events, but for me - the connection that I've formed with other creatives that I highly respect and appreciate their work. We're able to share and energy and experiences that only a filmmaker would know and understand. I value those connections, and it's because of CR and the festival.
Why are stories from the culture important? Stories from the culture are so important because there are cultural nuances that only people of that culture understand. I can't tell you how many times I'll read a script or watch a film that features black characters, and within seconds I'm always able to tell if it truly came from us. Our culture isn't just the way we live, but the fabric of our existence. It's the life within our blood. It's the heartbeat in our chest. That can't be fake or proliferated. Only we can truly share our stories via our voices, our way.
What projects are you working on now? It's in the process of releasing my digital series BRIC TV' Sauce. We were so fortunate to get into the festival last year and had a powerful talkback. The project stars Roland Lane, Javanna Mundy, and Perri Camper. I'm so excited to share this unique story about a talented chef in Brooklyn who deals with a serious allegation. It's a powerful perspective on some of the current things our world is dealing with. Other than that, I'm shooting a new pilot entitled "Last Name Unknown" about homeless youth in Los Angeles. There are other dope things in the work as well, so I'm amped.
Why do you think the Harlem film house and Hip Hop Film Festival is important?
Platforms are the oxygen of this industry. It's so hard for us to get our voices out there. Platforms like Harlem Film House and HHFF are more valuable and necessary now than ever.
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