(Washington, DC) — The award‑winning DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) has named Realm Rooftop DC as its October Location of the Month. The Black‑owned rooftop bar and lounge, located in the Shaw‑Howard University neighborhood, offers contemporary indoor and outdoor spaces, sweeping skyline views, and a dynamic backdrop for film, events, dining, and community experiences.
Owned by DC native Evens Charles, Realm Rooftop blends modern design with panoramic city vistas. Its adaptable footprint, neutral palette, modern fixtures, and abundant natural light create an ideal canvas for filmmakers, photographers, event producers, and creative teams seeking a versatile venue.
“Realm Rooftop embodies the spaces that make Washington, DC a vibrant place to create, gather, and tell stories,” said LaToya Foster, OCTFME Director and DC Film Commissioner. “Realm’s ownership is part of its identity and aligns with celebrating DC’s diverse creative and business community. Its DC roots and connection to the Shaw‑Howard University neighborhood make Realm a standout location. We’re proud to highlight it as our October Location of the Month and encourage our creative community to consider the venue for productions, events, and experiences.”
Grounded in the cultural history and creative energy of its neighborhood, Realm Rooftop represents a fresh expression of DC hospitality. The venue serves as a hub for food, music, culture, and community, while offering striking visual opportunities for film and photography projects. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, production teams can capture multiple environments in a single location. Clean lines, natural light, neutral tones, and dramatic skyline views make Realm a highly adaptable setting for a range of visual concepts.
“We are honored to have Realm Rooftop recognized by the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment,” said Owner Evens Charles. “Realm has already welcomed several media productions, and we look forward to continuing to open our doors to filmmakers, photographers, and creative teams. We’re excited to contribute to the stories that spotlight the vibrancy of our city.”
Realm has hosted notable cultural and media events and has been featured by DC Modern Luxury, Washington Business Journal, and WUSA9. It also served as a venue for the Black Wealth Summit.
The venue hosts Sunset Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, inviting guests to enjoy its signature rooftop atmosphere and city views.
To learn more, visit www.realmrooftopdc.com. Follow Realm Rooftop on Instagram at @realmrooftopdc, explore its DC Reel‑Scout profile, and discover additional film‑friendly locations across Washington, DC at entertainment.dc.gov.
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The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
- The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN)
- DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
- District of Columbia Entertainment Network (D.C.E), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the D.C.E Network App or at D.C.ENetwork.com).
- The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the D.C. Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (D.C. Rebate Fund).
- Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.

