Lionel Monsanto is an award winning director, producer, videographer, radio host, and rap artist based in the US.The artist graduated from the New England Institute Of Technology with an Associate's degree in Video and Audio Science. Following his graduation, Lionel continued to hone and develop his craft and is now a professional and prolific artist in both the film and music industries.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival. I'm always honored to be part of the Hip Hop Film Festival and wear my alumni badge with pride. The festival not only celebrates hip hop with class but also leaves attendees inspired and motivated, as anyone who has attended can attest.
Why are “stories from the culture” worthy of a platform? Stories from our culture are important because they are authentic tales from our community, which mass media has failed to platform for many years. These stories highlight the power of hip hop, revealing the raw, uncomfortable truth of the streets, and that is what hip hop is, and I am hip hop.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? The Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are crucial as they offer a platform for artists to showcase their talents and skills, amplifying the voices of those who feel silenced, and sparking inspiration for future generations.
What projects are you working on now? I'm currently writing a few scripts including the sequel to my hip hop horror musical, 'Deep Redd', but I hope to shoot and direct a script I've finished, 'Bloom', which is set to enter production this fall.
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