BronzeLens Film Festival Uplifts Women On Screen

The second full day of the BronzeLens Film Festival saw actors, media personalities and film and TV producers share their knowledge with thousands at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta. Friday’s programming consisted mainly of panels and workshops, but also an all-star luncheon.

The Women SuperStars Luncheon presented by BETHER feted several media stars and industry titans, such as Ayoka Chenzira,  film producer who works as a division chair at nearby Spelman College. Chenzira was presented with the Catalyst Superstar Award for being a pioneer in independent film and animation.

BronzeLens Film Festival shines light on women filmmakers

“I’m interested in narrative and color and texture. I’m interested in new camera angles and I’m interested in foregrounding the incredible stories of women of color,” she said on stage.

The music in film workshop elaborated on how the tunes you select for your film oftentimes set the mood of the audience — as well as stakeholders who are asked to financially support it.

Screenings continued as well. “Let My People Vote” was met with a warm reception. “Voter suppression is a real thing in this country,” director Gilda Brasch told an audience.

In the evening, festival-goers got to see an exclusive screening of “The Bobby Brown Story” at the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium.

BounceTV executive Roger Bob also spoke to attendees about being ready when your production gains momentum with viewers and the industry.

See Bronzelens Film Festival 2018 full schedule of events

The day before, festival-goers got to screen “Jinn,” the Muslim-center movie starring Zoe Renee. The film’s creator shed light on what inspired her to make the film, which has been recognized by the Sun Dance Film Festival among other accolades.

“This is a story that was many years in the making,” “Jinn” filmmaker Nijla Mu’min told the crowd. “I grew up in a very vibrant African-American Muslim community in Oakland. My father and my mother really helped to immerse me in that community  and I never saw textured, complicated images of those people in media.”

here are several top-notch black films screening at this year’s event. But Atlanta is packed with activities and events this weekend. See some of our top picks here.

Read more: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival: Everything you need to know

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Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.