HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Returns for Second Year, Offering Career Development for Students and Filmmakers

The Second Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is set to take place from November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University’s Blackburn Center in Washington, D.C. This festival is the only one of its kind, celebrating filmmakers, executives, and content creators who are HBCU-educated. The event serves as a bridge for HBCU students to break into Hollywood, aligning with its theme, “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism.”

The festival offers students an immersive career experience with opportunities to connect with top-tier professionals in film, broadcast, and entertainment. Attendees will participate in panels, workshops, and mentorship sessions led by award-winning actors, producers, and industry experts.

One of the highlights is the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which selected seven finalists from over 200 submissions. These finalists will compete for financial prizes and coveted internships, with three winners to be announced at the festival’s Salute THEM My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon, presented by AARP. Honorees for the luncheon include HBCU alumni Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU Los Angeles), and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia), all of whom have made impactful contributions to student initiatives.

A new feature this year is HBCYOU’s Beyond the Lights Career and Vendor Lounge, presented by P&G. This space is designed to empower students by offering essential products, career advice, and mentorship. The lounge highlights P&G’s national efforts to support students at historically Black colleges and universities.

Featured Events:

• Masterclass with David E. Talbert – Acclaimed director, playwright, and filmmaker David E. Talbert will share insights on his career and the industry.
• A Conversation on Power, Passion & Perseverance – NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis will discuss navigating Hollywood with moderator Loni Love, an Emmy Award-winning host and comedian.
• From Prosecutor to Producer – Faith Jenkins, a former Manhattan prosecutor and television producer, will talk about her journey in the entertainment industry.
• Crafting Change: A Career in Storytelling and Advocacy – Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll (Found, All American) will discuss how she uses her platform to address social issues through her work.

The festival will close with TVOne’s “FLUFF YOUR FEATHERS” workshop on self-promotion, and Andscape’s Closing Night at the Movies, featuring a documentary titled The Honorable: Shyne. Grammy Award-winning artist Shyne Barrow and director Marcus A. Clarke will be part of a panel discussion following a screening of clips from the film.

HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge Finalists:

• Best Feature Film: Breaking the Stigma: ADHD in African Americans – David L. Brown, Texas Southern University
• Best Short Film: The Last Summer – Leah Simone Scott, Howard University
• Best Documentary: I Will Only Be What Your Eyes Can See – Victoria Hay, Texas Southern University
• Best Mobile Film: The Family Link – Tramar Pettaway, Elizabeth City State University
• Best Family & Faith Film: …Young, Black and Gifted – Promise Robinson, Hampton University
• Best Animation Film: Chad’s Night Out – Kimarley Henry, Morehouse College
• Best Wellness Film: Champions of Wellness: A Legacy In Motion – Danielle Hillie, North Carolina Central University

This year’s festival promises to be a must-attend event for HBCU students, aspiring filmmakers, and industry professionals. For the full schedule, visit HBCU First Look and download the official app.

FOR HBCU First LOOK Film Festival: https://www.hbcufirstlook.com/filmfestival.

Photo Credit: HBCU First LOOK