Stephanie Diane Ford is a Durham-based filmmaker whose credits on commercial and indie film projects established her reputation as a respected producer, AD and script supervisor. After receiving a B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University she relocated to Paris to pursue post-graduate studies in Fashion Design Management. Her interest quickly shifted to working behind the camera after creating a teaser video for her style blog MEin5D (now MEin5D Films). She was awarded the “Filmed in NC” grant from Cucalorus Film Foundation in 2019 and 2020 for her debut narrative short, The Black Baptism.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival. My experience at HHFF was great considering they had to go virtual for this year's festival. The networking opportunities in the filmmakers lounge and the info shared on the panels was the most valuable and insightful aspect for me.
Why are stories from the culture important? Stories from the culture are important because every voice has the right to be heard.
What projects are you working on now? I am working on a sort of sequel to my film, The Black Baptism, that played in the festival. It will cover the backstory of the character introduced in the short film and the events leading up to her imprisonment.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? Building platforms and pathways that are black owned and controlled is the first step toward justice and economic equality.