3 Chambers Fest hosts screening of true crime documentary series ‘KILLA HILL’

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A festival that celebrates the culture of hip-hop, martial arts and anime is back for its second year.

3 Chambers Fest kicked off its opening night on Wednesday with an exclusive look at the film series “KILLA HILL.”

The screening took place at Jengo’s Playhouse in Wilmington.

Guests got to see part of the true crime documentary series that shows the rising murder rate fueled by the crack epidemic. It’s based in the same New York neighborhood the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan grew up in.

“I think the project gets you a little bit closer and it identifies the problem a lot of time,” series director Gerald Barclay said. “It serves as a cautionary tale for people to learn how to deal with conflicts and so on and so forth. But they’ll look at it in the bigger context of how we were all victimized by the crack epidemic. Each episode just rips your heart, you know, and that’s the takeaway.”

Barclay explained why he decided to show the film in Wilmington ahead of the release date.

“I think 3 Chambers gave an opportunity for us to really showcase things,” Barclay said. “I think the fact that there’s a love for hip hop and filmmaking, and I think this is out of all the festivals, I think this best represents who I am because it combines my Wu-Tang experience with my gritty storytelling. And here we are.”

Those interested in watching the series will be able to stream it, although a release date has not been announced yet.

3 Chambers Fest has more events going on this week. You can see the full schedule and lineup here.