Atlanta will be the site of a powerful celebration of Black women in film and television this month as the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) prepares to honor a distinguished group of industry leaders. Among those recognized will be Emmy and Golden Globe winner S. Epatha Merkerson and Academy Award nominee Danielle Brooks, both celebrated for their impactful contributions to the screen.
The annual BWFN summit, scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center, serves as a vital platform for mentorship, advocacy, and access within the entertainment industry for Black women. This year’s theme, “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” underscores the strength found in collaboration and shared vision, both in front of and behind the camera. The organization, founded in 1997, continues to be a cornerstone for Black women navigating the complexities of the film and television landscape.
Merkerson will receive the prestigious On Her Shoulders Preservation award, a testament to her enduring legacy. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC’s long-running procedural drama, “Law & Order,” Merkerson’s career spans decades of compelling performances. She similarly garnered critical acclaim and awards, including a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and Emmy, for her role in “Lackawanna Blues.” Currently, she continues to captivate audiences as a key cast member on NBC’s “Chicago Med,” part of the popular “One Chicago” franchise alongside “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.”
Brooks will be presented with the AcceleratHER Award, recognizing her remarkable versatility and transformative impact across television, film, and Broadway. Her breakthrough role as Taystee in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Orange is the Latest Black” earned her a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award. Brooks’ talent extends to the stage, where she received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple,” a role she powerfully reprised in the 2023 film adaptation, earning her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 96th Academy Awards.
Honoring a Spectrum of Industry Leaders
The Black Women Film Network will also recognize Sheila Ducksworth, executive producer of “Beyond the Gates” and president of CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, with the ProducHER Award. Felicia Pride, the showrunner and executive producer of the beloved series “A Different World,” will receive the StorytellHER Award. Angela Cannon, executive VP of networks &. content strategy at UP Entertainment and AspireTV+ general manager, will be honored with the PowerbrokHER Award, and Burke Entertainment Partners founder Vanzil Burke will receive the AmpliphiHER Award.
Beyond the awards ceremony, the summit will offer a robust program of panels and discussions focused on the evolving entertainment landscape. Topics will include leveraging branded content for financing, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools in film and digital production, navigating documentary distribution, monetizing short-form content, and the journey of a writer from initial pitch to securing a greenlight.
“Our summit is about strategy as much as celebration,” said Chiquita Lockely, board chair of Black Women Film Network. “We are creating a space where established powerhouses and emerging voices converge to exchange knowledge, build access and shape the future of storytelling. Honoring Black women who have sustained excellence across decades even as equipping the next generation with practical tools is central to our mission.”
Further details about the Black Women Film Network and the summit can be found on their official website: https://bwfn.org/
The BWFN summit promises to be a significant event, not only in recognizing the achievements of these remarkable women but also in fostering a collaborative environment for the continued advancement of Black women in the film and television industries. As the industry continues to evolve, the network’s commitment to mentorship and advocacy will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for storytelling.
What impact will these conversations have on the next generation of Black female filmmakers? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help spread the word about this important event.
