Lee Evans is a Jersey born, Brooklyn based filmmaker telling stories that highlight the Black experience, through a comedic lens. Growing up between an Afro-Carribean household and a blended black American family, her stories focus on black people, perspectives, and experiences. A multi hyphenate creative, she produces and directs Film, Documentary, TV, and Music Videos.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival. My experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival was great. The online platform allowed me to support other filmmakers and appreciate my place among them. I was in the company of great filmmakers, past and present, and that is an exciting lineage to join.
Why are “stories from the culture” worthy of a platform? Stories from the Culture are worthy because they show new perspectives. Black and BIPOC stories are still fighting to be heard and seen by audiences so this kind of exposure is important to showcasing our talent. I believe the most important aspect of filmmaking to me is the impact and intention that each project has, and the potential to start a conversation.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? Platforms, organizations, and institutions with the intention of showcasing diverse content should be celebrated. They create opportunities for creators who would usually go overlooked and give them access to distribution, networking, development, and so much more! They are key in creating the next wave of black and brown artists, creators, and stories.
What projects are you working on now? I am currently Producing a documentary titled You Think You Grown: Dismantling Adultification that highlights and explores the bias against black girls and women in society and the effects it has on our community at large. In the narrative space, I am seeking investors and grants to fund my upcoming projects: A coming of age film about an aspiring novelist who falls into the world of sex work and a heartwarming story following two immigrants working in public service who find common ground in their assimilation and become life long friends.