Today we’d like to introduce you to Destinee Stewart.
Hi Destinee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I found my way to filmmaking through being a frustrated actor living in Dallas, Texas. When I wasn’t getting cast in projects and not feeling challenged in acting classes, I took upon myself to start studying films for scenes. I was greatly inspired by the work of Rodrigo Garcia. I loved the complicated and complex characters he created for women. It was his work that pushed me to start writing scenes for myself and friends. After a year of writing for my acting class, I decided to write a short film. Being on a tight budget, I figured the best option was for me to direct since I had a pretty good idea of how I wanted it to go and I could work for free. The experience changed me and I knew from that moment directing was the unknown love I never knew I had.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a smoother road than what it has been in previous years 🙂 The pandemic allowed me time to work with children as a nanny which healed a lot of my inner child and creativity challenges. I also took the time to work on my mental & spiritual space to get very clear on my aspirations and intentions with filmmaking. This industry is not an easy one to break into, nor is it an easy one to see the truth at all times, but I think staying clear, having unwithering faith, and taking each day as it comes greatly helps get you back to the road faster after any setbacks.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a filmmaker, which means I get hired to play in my imagination all day and I honestly couldn’t think of a better job for me. I am fortunate to work as a director, writer, producer, and performer – each avenue providing clarity & support in the other. I love being able to create work for those whose stories identify with my own as well as helping other BIPOC filmmakers bring their stories to production. Working as a producer has allowed me to work on short films such as COFFEE SHOP NAMES by Deepak Sethi, MR. & MRS. Anderson by Brina Palencia, and PREGGERS by Sylvia Ray. Recently, I have had the opportunity to work in the dubbing space, directing foreign TV shows and movies for popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney, HBO, and Amazon.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that this city is so close to nature. Nature fuels and heals me and my art. I love that I can be in the mountains, the ocean, or the desert all in one day. Being a Texas girl, my least favorite thing about living in LA is that I can’t get a good BBQ or brisket fix 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.destineestewart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destineestewart_creates/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/artrosefilms
