Craft beer generates tens of billions of dollars annually for the US economy. Despite beer’s Egyptian and African heritage, these traditions have been mostly forgotten and are rarely found in American brewing culture. Today, Black-owned breweries make up less than 1% of the nearly 9,000 breweries in operation. Eager to shift the historical perception of who makes and drinks beer, Black brewers, brand owners and influencers across the country are reshaping the craft beer industry and the future of America’s favorite adult beverage.

Filmmaker Q&A with Director Aaron Hosé to follow hosted by Vernardo “Tito” Simmons-Valenzuela from Dirtbag Ales!

Born in the United States and raised on the Caribbean island of Aruba, Aaron Hosé is a producer, director, and editor with over 20 years in the film, television and video industry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Fine Arts in Feature Film Production from the University of Central Florida. His work has been featured at hundreds of film festivals worldwide and has been distributed on digital platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Vimeo on Demand, and Tubi. Aaron has received multiple awards and honors, including six regional EMMY Awards and sixteen nominations.

Vernando “Tito” Simmons-Valenzuela, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, came to Fayetteville, North Carolina via the US Army. After eight years of active service and lifelong friendships with partners Eric Whealton and Jerry Hall, Tito decided to set roots and call North Carolina home. He founded Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom in 2013. Beginning in a four thousand square foot warehouse behind a mechanic’s shop and a convenience store, Dirtbag’s journey to become a destination brewery began. After three informative years, the Dirtbag crew would eventually settle near the I-95 corridor in North Carolina. The six-acre facility now plays host to a multitude of community-centered events all year long. On any given weekend, patrons will find several nonprofit entities sharing in the communal spirit fostered at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. Focused on providing an inclusive atmosphere and producing creative, quality interpretations of craft ales and lagers, Tito hopes to continue being the driving force of involvement in the local community and surrounding areas.