Eli and Lu Bevins are twin sisters, filmmakers, spoken-word poets, artists, and change makers. Drawing on their experiences growing up in West Philadelphia and navigating economic and racial injustices throughout their youth, Eli and Lu use film, spoken word poetry, rap, and storytelling to address and challenge social inequities. Their journey has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep sense of community. Their work spans both social justice and imaginative projects, serving as a powerful tool for igniting change. Each piece of content is thoughtfully crafted to challenge the status quo and provoke meaningful conversations.
Eli and Lu’s artistic contributions extend beyond film. They have produced award-winning short films and stage plays, including Broken Tables, a spoken word play that drew 700 people in 2018. The twins are also digital designers for WACO Theater Center, a non-profit founded by the notable Tina Knowles and veteran actor Richard Lawson in Los Angeles to serve underrepresented black artist and youth in Los Angeles. From this business venture, Eli and Lu became the designers for WACO’s star-studded Wearable Art Gala. Since 2018, they have designed 60-page AD booklets celebrating Gala honorees such as Beyoncé, Tyler Perry, and Angela Bassett. In 2022, through their company Eli Lu Entertainment, they produced the “Stomp’n at the Savoy” Stage at the Gala, which featured notable talent like Freda Payne, Obba Babatunde, Kiki Sheppard, and Keith David. The 2022 Gala honorees included actress Angela Bassett and visual artist Mark Bradford, with the event hosted by actress KeKe Palmer.
After graduating from Overbrook High School, the sisters were inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2023, recognized for their impactful contributions to both their community and the arts. In 2009, they co-founded Eli Lu Entertainment, a platform where they blend multidisciplinary art into their filmmaking to create thought-provoking content that inspires change.
While at Indiana University (IU), Eli and Lu submitted several short films to compete in the Campus MovieFest (CMF) Hollywood competition. Together, the sisters received numerous film awards, including the 2014 First Place Elfenworks prize for their social justice film, Systematic Living, presented by Lovecraft Country actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell at University Studios City Walk AMC.
In May of 2016, their CMF short film My Dear Arthur was selected to screen at the world’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France through CMF. Eli and Lu have since written, directed, and produced numerous thought-provoking and conscious films, as well as stage plays that tackle important social issues. The sister’s also enjoy creative imaginative narratives with unique story lines.
The sisters are also heavily involved in non-profit and grassroots work, focusing on community support and projects that empower and uplift marginalized voices. They co-founded the Philadelphia Film Factory, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening the local film community, and the Mill Creek Community Partnership, where they help organize and execute events like the MCCP Hip Hop Jazz Fest, bringing talent and resources back to their community.
In 2020, they released Sound Mind, a cinematic mixtape consisting of 12 poetic short films with over 150 actors from the Philadelphia area. Additionally, the twins are Executive Producers alongside Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson of a global virtual talent show called I Got the Mic: Poetic Experience.
Their creative endeavors are deeply personal, and over the years, their work has evolved to reflect their experiences. In November of 2023, Eli and Lu lost their grandmother who raised them, to a long battle with dementia and kidney failure. Their caregiving experience inspired them to create Caregivers, an art exhibition that shares their journey as young caretakers while promoting elder advocacy and dignity. Through their art, advocacy, and community-driven work, Eli and Lu continue to uplift, inspire, and create meaningful change.
