#TheConnect: 10th Annual Black Women Film Festival (June 13-15, Atlanta)

The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) will present its 10th Annual Black Women Film Festival this weekend (June 13-15) in Atlanta, Georgia.  According to the official press release, the three-day event kicks off with 7 films by or about African-American women, including the controversial 72% (directed by Janice Garcia and Jeremy Batchelor), a documentary that explores the single mother phenomenon in the black community.

Additional films and workshops are scheduled throughout the weekend with the festivities concluding with “The Reel Networking Affair” at Adrienne’s Fine Boutique.

The festival is sponsored by BET Networks, Spelman College, Atlanta Technical College, 11 Alive, Moguldom Studios, and Madame Noire.

Event Schedule

Day 1 – Films to Inspire and Uplift by and About Black Women
When: Friday, June 13, 2014
Time: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Spelman College (Sci Center NASA Auditorium) – 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta GA 30314

•  2:00pm – Room to Breathe – directed by Crista Baldwin
•  2:30pm – A Glimpse – directed by Sandra Nixon
•  3:00pm – Elijah – directed by Janlate Mullin
•  3:30pm – Good Girls – directed by Rhavynn Drummer
•  4:00pm – Stand: Untold Stories of the Civil Rights Movement – directed by Donna Dukes
•  5:30pm – 72% – directed by Janice Garcia and Jeremy Batchelor
•  6:30pm – The Helen Lindsey Story – directed by Maria Howell and Mike Ray
•  7:00pm – Danger Word – directed by Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, and Luchina Fisher

•  Q&A immediately following last film

Day 2 – The Reel Business of Filmmaking Workshops & Black Women Book Festival
When: Saturday, June 14, 2014
Where: Atlanta Technical College (Atrium) – 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta GA 30310
Registration: 8:00 am
Workshops: 8:30 am – 3:00pm

8:30 – 9:45 am – “Hair & Make-Up for Film and TV” — What you need to be a Film/TV stylist and what you need to budget for your film. Hairstylist and make-up artist Terae Dewitt talks about working on small and large films.

9:45 – 11:00 am – “Acting For Stage, Screen and TV” – Actress, acting coach and instructor at the Actor’s Scene, Jonna Johnson will be on hand to let you know what’s needed to get that call back.

11:00 – 12:15pm – “Film Financing and Distribution” – Find out how to get your project financed and distributed. Breyuna Williams, ESQ, who has extensive experience in music, film and new media contracts and is a member of the California State and Georgia State Bar, will lead this discussion.

12:15 – 1:15pm – “Black Women Book Festival Luncheon” — This informative luncheon will feature authors who are ready to share their knowledge about getting a book published. Featured authors are Joe Johnson (Joshua’s Battle), Dr. Lepora (Journey to Authentic Joy), Antoinette Green Campbell (Revelations Beyond Betrayal) and Chiquita Lockley (Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven?).

1:15pm – 2:15pm – “Film and Video Editing” – An award-winning and highly sought-after editor for the Aspire Network, Deanna Nowell will lead a hands-on panel where you can bring your projects for her expert suggestions on how to get your best edit. (Note: Have your project on your laptop to get the best evaluation. First come, first served.)

2:30pm – 3:00pm – “Film Location Tour of Atlanta Technical College” — Filmmaker Russ Parr shot his film A Christmas Blessing on the campus of Atlanta Technical College. Take a tour of the film shoot locations with staff. Your next production could be shot here!

Day 3 – The Reel Networking Affair” with Jaunice Sills, Director of Program Scheduling and Promo Strategy, REVOLT TV

When: Sunday, June 15, 2014

Time:  6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: Adrienne’s Fine Boutique – 2287 Peachtree Rd., NE Atlanta, Ga.
Cost: $5.00 non-members; FREE, BWFN Members

For anyone interested in attending, visit www.blackwomenfilm.org to register or find out more info.