The Death of a Prince

“Never let fear stop you from chasing your dream, Challenges are what make life Interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” We are all products of our environment; shaped and molded by experiences, acquaintances and circumstances. Fresh and unprecedented director, writer, and author, A.R.Hilton certainly exemplifies that. He was born in a place many people call a paradox, Mount Vernon, New York. It boasts both tree lined, family-oriented streets as well as the beautifully dilapidated, urban atmosphere that many New York City dwellers are accustomed to. This was the environment that inspired A.R.Hilton to become a writer, author and film director; an expressionist of life’s experiences and lessons. In 2008 Hilton’s debut novel, That Life (Prophecy of a Hustler), introduced us to characters that walk a parallel path—a path that Hilton’s traveled in his own life—which led him to Federal and State prisons for over 18 years of his adult life. A.R.Hilton sought direct guidance and motivation of black literary giants such as Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin with his intensely expressive masterpiece. In That Life, Hilton weaves together a tapestry of childhood friends that are polar opposites, but choose the same dangerous and fast-paced lifestyle packed with drugs and violence. Throughout their journey together, their friendship is tested and a lives are lost. Hilton was never a sultan of script, but he continues to prove that when you’re talented and driven, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. Writing was something he tried in his early teens during a summer youth job program, reporting and writing newsletters for the local Urban League in Mount Vernon. During Hilton’s time in prison, he rediscovered his skills in writing and started playing with concepts for novels and screenplays. The last eight years Hilton spent behind bars, he turned those ideas into several literary works. In 2009 Hilton went into production on a feature length script he’d written titled “Remember Niaxing” based on a friends relationship with a Chinese immigrant in the early eighties that he was to direct. However, due to budgeting issues he was forced to shelve the production. After the disappointment of his first attempt at film Hilton took some time to complete his second novel “Prophecy of a Hustler II (A War of Souls)”. The sequel to his first novel “That Life” which he made available digitally online in August 2012. In 2012 Hilton returned to film production with Amirah Films a company founded by him and long time friend Nicholas Cavalluzzi. They began production on the company’s first project “The Death of a Prince,” a short film dedicated to the memory of Hilton’s younger brother who was murdered at eighteen years of age. A gritty urban tale like no other, it tells the story of one boy’s journey through life and a riveting discovery of self. “The Death of a Prince” has screened at the Hollywood Black Film Festival and the Big Apple Film Festival in New York and is currently available to the public online. In January of 2014 Hilton's Amirah Films partnered with Eric Canon's IllMatic Production in Las Vegas and begin production of "Anonymous Killers" which he's directing. “Anonymous Killers” a feature length film he penned about four serial killers and a young college student suspected of being a killer who are abducted by a stranger and forced to give an account of the events in their lives that lead them to become killers. The fate of each is then put to a vote in a deadly test of judgement among true peers. Hilton explains, “It’s a drama/suspense that touches on a lot todays social issue in a dark and gory way. Something that I don't believe has ever been done before. It will definitely make audiences uncomfortable. I know I was writing it." Despite Hilton’s obstacles, he’s managed to find his way. Released from prison in August 2007, Hilton is driven and motivated by a past filled with the pains of struggle and loss, visited by moments of clairvoyance in times of isolation and despair, he’s truly become an example for those who stumble in life’s pitfalls to know that they to can climb out and live a productive and meaningful life. A.R.Hilton presently lives in Los Angeles California where he continues to believe in the path he's chosen and aggressively pursues it with a passion matched only by life itself.