Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lu Bevins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lu, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by remembering the very reason why I ever started: my purpose. In a world of setbacks, disappointment and pain, it’s easy to lose site of your dreams and visions but when you understand your purpose, you understand all roads lead back to it. I’m motivated by every aspect of my life now, both the good and the bad. I create because I have a testimony and I created because sharing it means helping someone else. My mission is to create visual art, film, and content that inspires and evokes change. My very own art is therapy for me but I learned long ago, it’s not just for me. Purpose will drive my creativity when I lose it and when I have an abundance of it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Lu Bevins is a filmmaker, digital designer, and spoken word hip-hop artist. She was raised by her grandparents in West Philadelphia along with her siblings. Lu is a graduate of Overbrook High School, and most recently was inducted into its Hall of Fame in May 2023 along with her twin sister, Eli Bevins. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Aviation and a Master’s degree in Information Architecture. Lu co-founded Eli Lu Entertainment in 2009 with Eli Bevins. She has received numerous film awards, including the 2014 First Place Elfenworks prize for the social justice film, “Systematic Living,” presented by “Lovecraft County” actress, Jurnee Smollett-Bell. Lu has co-written, directed and produced numerous thought provoking and conscious films & several stage plays, including “Broken Tables,” which opened to two packed shows, totaling 700 attendees in 2018. In 2020, Lu released a Cinematic Mixtape, titled “Sound Mind,” that consisted of 12 short films that correlated with 12 musical poetic, hip-hop tracks by spoken word hip hop duo, Eli Lu. It featured 150+ talent from the Philadelphia area. 1 of the 12 films, “The Epidemic,” was selected to screen at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood, for Indie Night Film Festival in 2022. Lu also co-founded the Philadelphia Film Factory (Philm Factory) in 2018, created to provide opportunities for local filmmakers.
Additionally, Lu is one of the Executive Producers alongside the notable Tina Knowles Lawson and veteran actor, Richard Lawson, of a global virtual talent show called “I Got the Mic: Poetic Experience.” Lu is a Digital Designers for the star-studded Wearable Art Gala and the WACO Theater Center non-profit, in Los Angeles. In Oct 2022, Eli Lu Entertainment produced the “Stomp’n at the Savoy” stage at the Gala, which featured talent such as the legendary Freda Payne, Obba Babatunde, Kiki Sheppard, Keith David and more. The 2022 Gala honorees included actress Angela Bassett and visual artist Mark Bradford, hosted by actress KeKe Palmer. Past honorees include Tyler Perry, Beyonce and more!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three important qualities to have is being a self starter, adaptability, and being a good person! Much of my opportunities came about because of who I am and how I carried myself, talent came second. You can be great and talented at what you do but who you are will open more doors because you will be someone people want to work with, want to help, and want on their team. Know how to adapt because there is no “know how” book on navigating success if you’re not willing to be challenged or open to change and the unknown. Embrace it. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, it’s part of the journey. Be a self starter. You don’t have to wait for a “yes” or an opportunity. You can create your own. I always said I don’t just think outside the box, I create new ones.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have many people who were instrumental in my success. My twin sister, Eli, has been with me through every life event and business venture. She’s my business partner and friend who I get to share much of these experiences with, but she’s also the extra voice I need to push me. I’m also lifted up by my village and creative family who support and motivates me. You need people in your corner who will hold you accountable and tell you the truth. My strength is in God so I’m truly never without a hand to help me overcome challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eliluentertainment.com
- Instagram: @elilutwins
Image Credits
Derrick Dean Photography
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