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

Hi Dru, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

I am from Denver and proud to be born and raised. Ever since I was a young kid, I have always had a heavy interest in photography and video. My grandfather was always capturing the moments we shared together.Whether it was through photography or film, my grandfather always had a camera with him. He loved documenting life and I believe that’s where I get my passion from. My Papa John!

It wasn’t until years later when I purchased my first camera and it has been part of my life ever since. My interest then grew for videography and photography, which eventually turned into a passion for filmmaking and fashion editorial photography. I love fashion and movies, so for me I kinda knew what my niche would be. I did all kinds of work to master my art. Weddings, Music Videos, Portraits and so on! I have done it all to try and become the best Filmmaker and Photographer I can be. In 2023, I completed my first feature short documentary “Planting Seeds”, a collaboration with Fujifilm.

I hope this will help take my filmmaking career to the next level with “Planting Seeds” and solidify myself as a respected filmmaker.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As an artist, I like to use my talent to help tell the stories of the people I come across, in particular people of color. In some ways, I like to use my art as therapy for people. I love getting inspired from the stories I have heard and witnessed and then creating my own art with it.

In August 2019, I left my job to pursue my career and it was by far the toughest thing I’ve done. I had many side jobs (Uber, Dispensary etc) and suffered from imposter syndrome but I never lost sight of where I wanted to be. To be recognized for my art. I am still working towards that goal everyday because I want to be the best artist I can be. 

My most proud moment was my collaboration with Fujifilm on my first feature short documentary in 2023. “Planting Seeds” tells the story of Jevon Taylor who is the CEO of Green Spaces in Denver. It was by far the biggest moment of my career. To have the opportunity to collaborate with a company that I respect like Fujifilm, is something I will always be grateful and proud of. When I decided to create this film, I wanted to show that the path to entrepreneurship for people of color is possible and the resources from people like Jevon Taylor are paving the way for small business owners. Everyone in this film started from somewhere and it was an honor for me to start with the stories and people at Green Spaces.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am big on food! If I had to take a friend around the city, they would get all types of cultural foods in one day. Matsuhsia and Gyu KaKu are some of my favorites. Some of my other favorite activities to do in the city is going to pop up events by other creatives. I feel it is a great way to really feel the energy of the people of the city, especially other creatives!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to give a shoutout to my wife Kieu. My wife, who is also an entrepreneur herself, has supported and pushed me to be the best creative I can be. She was the one who pushed me to pursue this career as a filmmaker and photographer, when she could’ve told me to keep it as a hobby. She has started her own design firm (Smith + Drake) and I knew I had the same goal to become an entrepreneur. She is not only there as an emotional support but also a collaborator in some of my projects. I love working with her! I owe and do everything for her and my son Kyree, my two biggest fans!

Website: https://www.dru-smith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drusmith_/?hl=en

Image Credits
Anthony Maes (BTS Photo)

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