Emerging Overtown Filmmaker Is Selected To Showcase Video At 2nd Annual White House Film Festival

Elijah Wells Inspires Promising Change and Commitment to Empowering the Overtown Community through Film

MIAMI -The definition of talent is natural aptitude and skill. Emerging filmmaker, Elijah Wells of Elijah Wells Film LLC, is a potent mixture of both of these qualities, along with a strong dose of passion for film. This rising star was chosen from a group of 1,500 high school students to screen his video “Giving Back Through My Lens” at the 2nd annual White House Film Festival this weekend.

The festival highlights the impact of service and giving back to the community. Wells’ relentless devotion to film truly shows the world that great things do come out of the Overtown community despite what is reported on the news. Wells has written and directed “The Gift” and “Welcome to Miami”; both of which have gone viral.

Always having a love for film, Wells had the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Cine Lab Young Filmmakers program in Overtown. Although Wells was too young for the program at the time, Reggie Scott, founder of the program, saw something special in Wells and permitted him into the program.

“I am so proud of Elijah Wells. From the day we interviewed him for the program, I realized that he was special and that great things were going to be a part of his journey,” says Reggie Scott, President of the PepperShaker Company Inc. and Founder of the Cine Lab Young Filmmaker’s program.

Wells has had the opportunity to work on a film and worked with the cinematography team on Director Robert Townsend’s film “Playin For Love”, and also screen his film “Welcome to Miami” at the American Black Film Festival community day.

“Elijah is an extraordinary young man with exceptional talent and I am proud to see that his work has been chosen to be viewed at the annual White House Film Festival. His commitment to his craft will continue to make him undeniable on his journey in cinematography,” says Keon Hardemon, District 5 City of Miami Commissioner.

Wells forged full steam ahead after that workshop, creating vibrant stories through cinematography. Elijah credits his “mom-manager” Martha for helping navigate his career in the film industry. More recently, Wells has been a recipient of the 2013 Legacy Black History Award from the Miami World Cinema center. Wells is committed to showcasing the positive characteristics of Overtown and inspiring those in the community to pursue their artistic dreams.

The White House Film Festival will feature official selections chosen from more than 1,500 student videos showcasing “The Impact of Giving Back”. Wells’ “Giving Back Through My Lens” not only showcases the impact of giving back but also the influential power of filmmaking.

Follow Elijah on Twitter @Elijah_Wells and Instagram @ Elijah.Wells

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