The Nation’s Premiere Celebration of HBCU Filmmakers and Hollywood Executives to Feature Panels with Actors Including Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Keisha Knight-Pulliam, E. Roger Mitchell, Comedians&nbps;Loni Love, Kym Whitley, TV Executive Jawn Murray, True Crime’s Faith Jenkins and Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2024 — The HBCU First Look Film Festival, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of diversity in film, TV and broadcasting, reveals their second annual screening, speaker and programming slate, taking place November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
As the nation’s only film festival honoring HBCU educated filmmakers, executives, and content creators, the three-day festivities include celebrities and “I Aspire” honoree changemakers committed to building bridges with HBCU students to Hollywood in support of “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism.”
Highlights include:
- A Conversation on Power, Passion & Perseverance with NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis. Moderated by Emmy Award-winning host, comedienne, and actress Loni Love, the two will discuss the state of the industry and navigating its landscape.
- Masterclass with creator and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll (All American, Found)
- Career Development with speaker Keanna “KJ” Rose, a 2024 “I Aspire” 100 honoree, speaker, author, and FAMU alum
- Screening and Talkback true crime series “Killer Relationships w/ Faith Jenkins”
- My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon honoring Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU Los Angeles), and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia).
- The annual HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which received over 200 film submissions, will award three winners with internships.
- Closing Night at the Movies: ‘The Honorable: Shyne’ Documentary ‘Exclusive’ Clip & Conversations Reception.
Informational sessions celebrating iconic Black film titles include:
- STRICTLY BUSINESS: A discussion on independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship with production companies
- THE BLACK GODFATHER: A panel on documentary filmmaking, music licensing, and supervision
- BEAUTY SHOP: From costume design to character makeup, a talk about the glitz and glam of production
- DREAMGIRLS: A conversation with today’s young, gifted, and Black actresses
- SCHOOL DAZE: How to Identify your career niche and market your brand
— More programming to announced —
For film enthusiasts and students, tickets can be purchased via www.hbcufirstlook.com and HBCU First LOOK Festival app. For more information, visit all social platforms @hbcufirstlook #hbcufirstlook #blackfilmmakers #myvoiceviewvote #IAspirechallenge
Sponsors and media partners include AARP, HBCYOU, Café Mocha Network, Andscape, NBC Universal, TV One, Oxygen, HBCUGO.TV, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142, L.A.I. Communications, and the Mocha Podcasts Network.
About HBCU First LOOK Film Festival
The Resilience of Diversity: A Look Into the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival
Founded by alumni of the prestigious Howard University, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival stands as a beacon of hope in the film, television, and broadcasting industry. With an unwavering mission to inspire and nurture a new generation of minority talent, this festival equips HBCU students with practical skills to elevate their artistry. Beyond skill-building, it provides avenues to showcase their work and facilitates vital connections between industry executives and budding talents, leading to promising career opportunities.
About Miles Ahead Entertainment & Broadcasting
One of the driving forces behind this transformative festival is Miles Ahead Entertainment (MAE). This woman- and minority-owned agency, certified by MDOT/WOSB, operates globally and specializes in strategic planning, social media marketing, virtual events, talent acquisition management, and concierge sponsorship engagement. A subsidiary of MAE, Miles Ahead Broadcasting, has earned acclaim for its award-winning television and audio productions, including Café Mocha Radio & TV, Mocha Podcasts Network, and the esteemed Salute Her Awards.
At the helm of MAE is the visionary Sheila Eldridge, a distinguished graduate of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University. Eldridge’s outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her accolades that include NAACP Image Awards, Women In Media Gracie Awards, a Telly Award, and the prestigious Living Legends Foundation ‘Entrepreneur’ Award.
FOR HBCU First LOOK Film Festival: Sheila Eldridge – Sheila@milesaheadentertainment.com Visit HBCU First Look Film Festival.
Media Outreach
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jalila Larsuel – Jalila@JLMediaPR.com
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SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment