A documentary exploring one man’s triumph to create a safe space for Compton’s youth in the early 1980s. This is the story of the first hip-hop club on the West Coast and home to the World Class Wreckin Cru.

Interview with Director David Velo Stewart

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

We made this film to refocus the negative narrative of hip-hop. Hip-hop was created as a constructive activity to help young people beat the streets. it was a safe space for young people to express themselves creatively. Our documentary about Eve After Dark explores how one institution changed the lives of many teenagers in the 1980s while creating the foundation for West Coast hip-hop.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Eve After Dark is not just about hip-hop. It is hip-hop. Through DJ cutting and scratching the film plays like a visual hip-hop mixtape. The creative mission of the film is to take the viewer back in time to the early 80s and let them feel what it was like to experience a night at Eve After Dark. Through the use of classic disco, funk and R&B music as well as humor and dramatic storytelling, the audience will feel what it was like to spend a night at the club.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The themes of respect and resilience are explored in our film. The young people respected the club. They honored the strict dress code as well as the behavior expectations. Alonzo was persistent and determined to keep the club open while battling the crack cocaine epidemic, police harassment and the rise of local gangs.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Since we shot a documentary, our film's story has not changed since we began the project.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Our film will have its world premiere on Friday, February 17 at 8:30 pm. We are looking forward to receiving feedback at that time.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We are working closely with the non-profit, The Lyrical Revolution (Founded by Alonzo Williams). The mission of the organization is to inspire, mentor and recognize youth through music and sports to transform their lives and live up to their fullest potential. We are looking to raise more awareness about the need to provide today's youth with positive outlets to express themselves, socialize and learn new problem-solving skills.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

At this time, we are looking to work with a distribution company to further amplify this special story about the origins of West Coast hip-hop.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

We would like people to see Compton in a new way. We hope the Eve After Dark documentary will change the negative perception of Compton and South Central Los Angeles.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

In terms of west coast hip hop, what existed before N.W.A?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are currently finishing up a ten-part docuseries about the 100-year history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Southern California.

Interview: February 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Eve After Dark

Length: 1:28:00

Director: David Velo Stewart

Producer: Alonzo Williams

Writer: David Velo Stewart

About the writer, director and producer:

DAVID VELO STEWART is the founder and owner of Trillvision, an IOS and Android digital application and website specializing in digital events. He has screened films at various festivals around the world and has written numerous screenplays and picture books.

ALONZO WILLIAMS is the owner/manager of the first hip-hop club on the west coast and he is the founder of the musical group, The World Class Wrecking' Cru.

Key cast: Alonzo Williams, Kurtis Blow, DJ Yella, Exetta Harris, Anthony Scruncho Mckinley, Anthony King, Steven Bradford, Daryl Sweeney, Sophia Easley, Trevor Lawrence Jr, Emma Sharif & Marsha Dennis

Looking for: distributors

Facebook: TRILLVISION

Twitter: @TRILLVISION

Instagram: @therealtrillvision

Hashtags used: #eveafterdark

Website: www.trillvision.com/eveafterdark

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: TRILLVISION

Funders: Self-Funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

In the future, you can watch the film on the TRILLVISION app (www.trillvision.com)