Meet Uba Udogwu | Filmmaker & Video Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Uba Udogwu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Uba, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Business has always been an iffy term for me. Iffy but absolutely necessary, of course. The main reason I started 22 Stone Productions was to create. To get the stories in my heart and mind out on a screen. Storytelling is in my blood and starting my own production company was a way to connect and share with others. Whatever money I make off of that doesn’t really matter to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I recognize that putting a movie or TV show together is one of the hardest things in the world to do, film has always been my first love. As a filmmaker and founder of 22 Stone Productions, I’ve made it my personal mission to not only tell visual stories, but to represent the underrepresented.

Being a black geek and creative in a genre with limited diversity has always been a challenge for me. When I was younger, my parents steered me towards a career in law, not because they didn’t believe in my storytelling, but because they didn’t believe in the odds for someone like me in film. This is a reality for many kids of color.

Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not about the odds. It’s about telling your story. Getting it out there. Nothing changes until you’re in the game, doing the work. One of my biggest inspirations today is Jordan Peele who is currently making the kind of changes in film I dream about (adding black faces and stories to horror, drama, etc.)

On that end, I’m most proud about my current documentary series (Short Docs) which analyzes highlights in hip-hop culture with interviews, animation, etc. I’m in the middle of my first full length film, 12 To Digital, which celebrates the many incredible album covers in hip-hop history.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m Queens, born and bred, but absolutely love Brooklyn. Out of all the boroughs, it seems to have the best combination of food, sights and culture. I’m very fond of Fort Greene which has a cool Afrocentric vibe. It’s also the home of Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Production Company, which would definitely be a stop on the trip. Outside of that, the week would consist of dope parks (Brooklyn Bridge Park, Fort Greene Park, etc.), street festivals, outdoor screenings and food spots (Bogota, Imani, Veggie Castle, The Chocolate Room, etc.)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mad love to my fiancee, Andrea Moreno, for being my biggest support system over the past few years. We had a kid two years ago (a handful) and she’s been instrumental in making sure I continue to follow my dreams. I’m not sure I would be where I am today if not for her.

Also a big shoutout to my dad, Malcolm Udogwu Sr., one of the most creative people I know. I’m pretty sure I got the creative bug from him so, thanks for that and all of the love.

Website: https://www.22stoneproductions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterubaudogwu/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/22stoneproductions