Industry Spotlight: Lorenzo Lowe III
Lorenzo Lowe III | Filmmaker, Creative Lead of A Stella Visual, and Executive Director of Peripheral Vision PDX
Published February 23, 2026
Written by: Carolina Nascimento
Lorenzo Lowe III is a Filmmaker, Creative Lead of A Stella Visual, and Executive Director of Peripheral Vision PDX. His work sits at the intersection of cinematic craft, community service, and intentional storytelling, centering real people and real experiences in ways that feel both powerful and human.
Raised in Oakland, California, Lorenzo grew up in a household where film was a shared experience. Weekly trips to Regal Jack London were part of family life, followed by hours spent watching behind-the-scenes features and director commentaries at home. While many people rewatch movies for entertainment, Lorenzo rewatched them with curiosity, constantly asking how scenes were shot and how effects were created. His love for horror films and practical effects made those breakdowns feel like early film school, teaching him how lighting, camera movement, sound, and storytelling work together to create emotion.
Although film was a passion, it never felt like a realistic career path growing up. Storytelling still found its way into his life through writing, where he could express creativity with nothing more than a pencil and paper.
Everything shifted when Lorenzo moved to Oregon to finish his degree in Kinesiology. Picking up his first camera introduced him to a new world of visual storytelling, and he quickly became immersed in learning the technical and creative sides of filmmaking. He studied independently through books and online resources and later spent time at Portland Community College to continue developing his skills.
Before filmmaking became his full creative focus, Lorenzo dedicated several years to working in middle schools through a mentoring program run by the Coalition of Black Men. That experience grounded him in Portland’s North neighborhoods and shaped how he approaches storytelling today. When he later pitched his documentary project to Roosevelt High School and Jefferson High School, the trust built through years of community service made those partnerships possible.
At the core of Lorenzo’s work is a belief that telling someone’s story is a responsibility and an honor. His projects are rooted in listening, respect, and relationship building, allowing narratives to unfold authentically rather than being forced into predetermined structures.
That approach is especially evident in Leaders of Men, his first feature-length documentary. What began as a simple concept evolved naturally as real-life moments shaped the story. Documenting real experiences challenged him to step back, reflect, and intentionally structure the film around truth rather than a script. The process became one of his greatest creative lessons, strengthening both the storytelling and his growth as a filmmaker.
Portland has played a major role in that evolution. For Lorenzo, the city’s film community is defined by collaboration and accessibility. From grassroots creatives to established institutions, the culture encourages connection through local festivals, independent theaters, mixers, make-a-thons, and spontaneous creative projects. The ease of building a crew and the willingness of people to support one another have been central to his creative journey.
Looking toward the future, Lorenzo sees Portland continuing to grow as a hub for original storytellers and independent creatives. While emerging technologies like generative AI present challenges across the industry, he believes Portland’s focus on humanity and authentic storytelling positions it well for what lies ahead.
For emerging filmmakers, Lorenzo emphasizes the power of mentorship and community. The guidance he received along the way helped him avoid common pitfalls, refine his craft, and stay motivated. He encourages creatives to reach out, build relationships, and speak openly about their goals, knowing that support often begins with simple conversations.
Through community-centered storytelling, intentional filmmaking, and deep respect for human experience, Lorenzo Lowe III continues to shape Portland’s creative landscape, bringing stories to life that reflect the people and places that inspire him most.
Learn more about Lorenzo’s work at astellavisual.com and follow his journey at @astellavisual
