Where We're From: The Elements Documentary
Where We're From: The Elements Documentary is a 90-minute exploration of the emergence of L.A.'s underground Hip Hop culture of the late 1990's-eary 2000's, recounted firsthand by some of its architects - the creators of Club Elements.
Interview with Director/Producer Dj Breeze
Watch Where We're From: The Elements Documentary on Prime Video and iTunes
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We really felt that there was Hip Hop history here in Los Angeles that had not been talked about. And we felt that our story needed to be told as well as bringing light to other important key people in our Hip Hop community.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
People should watch this film because these stories have not been told or exposed. Whenever you hear about West Coast Hip Hop, you only hear the stories about gangsta rap. Yes, that is part of our culture but it's not all we are about. There is entire world of hip hop that has influenced, not only LA, but the rest of the world. We were part of that community and we really felt that we were being overlooked and almost forgotten. Now, thanks to this film, those people and community finally have a voice.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Where We're From is not only a story of Hip Hop in Los Angeles, buts it's also a story of friendship and triumph. Two friends who grew up together, and later became Los Angeles's top promoters. Only to have their friendship ripped apart from the politics and drama during one of the most important times in LA Hip Hop history.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Originally, the film was going to talk about just Club Elements. However, as we started formulating the story, we realized that we couldn't just talk about us without bringing up certain past events and people that helped influence Club Elements. Place like Club UNITY, Water The Bush, as well as individuals like Bigga B, Rob One, Dj Dusk and so on.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been nothing but positive all around. We actually hit number one on the iTunes music documentary chart in the first few day, which was amazig. We have many people stopping us on the street or sending us dm messages saying, not only that they love the film, but they also are thanking us for telling their story as well. It's been an amazing feeling.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was a little surprised by some of the reactions. When Dj Bonds and myself finished the film, we knew that we had something special. However, sometimes you just don't know how the public is going to perceive it. You could be ahead of your time and the public might not be ready for it. Or sometimes, you're too late and the public is kinda over it. It really felt like the public was ready for this film, which is also why I feel it's being received so well.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We are looking to bring more light and attention to a significant Hip Hop movement that has influenced the world but never got a chance to hear their story.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, distributors especially international, film festival journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To let this LA Hip Hop community know that what they did back then mattered and had a huge impact, not only culture, but people's lives. To let LA's underground hip hop scene know that they aren't forgotten.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is there other Hip Hop besides gangsta rap in the West Coast?
Would you like to add anything else?
Yes, go out and see this film. If you are a Hip Hop fan, this is surely one of the most important films that you can watch. And if you are not a Hip Hop fan, this is still a very enjoyable movie with stories of friendships, triumphs, racial inequality, and just another side to Los Angeles that you never get to see.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Elements Media is involved with several projects right now, but we can't disclose anymore until the time is right. Follow us on Instagram @elementsdoc @djbonds007 @djbreeze to stay up to date.
Interview: May 2022
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
Where We're From: The Elements Documentary
Length:
1:29:27
Director
DJ BONDS is a dj, promoter out of Los Angeles best known for co founding Club Elements and Djing for Mystic.
DJ BREEZE is a producer, dj out of Los Angeles best known for co founding Club Elements and Djing for KPFK's Divine Forces Radio
Producer
Dj Breeze, Dj Bonds, Rod Gee
Key cast:
Dj Bonds (DJ), Dj Breeze (DJ), Maseo (DJ), Rakaa Iriescience (MC), Evidence (MC), Planet Asia (MC), Cut Chemist (DJ), Del the Funkee Homosapian (MC)
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/elementsdoc
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elementsdoc
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/elementsdoc
Hashtags used:
#ElementsDoc #ElementsDocumentary #ClubElements #DjBreezeLA #DjBonds #DirectedbyBondsAndBreeze
More info:
Hip Hop Cinefest/Rome Italy May 9th - May 22nd
Golden Sneakers International Hip Hop Film Fest June 2022