Trailblazers Take Center Stage
The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) has announced its highly-anticipated 2024 honorees, set to be celebrated at the 9th Annual BWFN Summit on March 23rd in Atlanta.
This year’s prestigious awards recognize exceptional talents who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Among the esteemed honorees is Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress Lena Waithe, who will receive the TrailblazHER Award for her groundbreaking work on shows like “The Chi,” “Master of None,” and the recently released “Twenties.”
Joining her is Monami Productions CEO Mona Scott-Young, the creative force behind the iconic “Love & Hip Hop” franchise, who will be honored with the RainmakHER Award.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
Actress Gail Bean, known for her powerful performances in “P-Valley” and “Snowfall,” will be awarded the Black Woman Rising Award, while creator and showrunner Raamla Mohamed, the visionary behind “Reasonable Doubt,” will receive the StorytellHER Award.
Rounding out the prestigious list is Amber Rasberry, a senior executive in film development, production, and acquisitions at Amazon Studios, who will be honored with the PowerbrokHER Award for her invaluable contributions to the industry.
Empowering and Uplifting Voices
“We are delighted to once again present our annual BWFN Summit, thanks in part to generous support from NBCU Launch, Amazon, Aspire TV+, and Cvent,” said BWFN Board Chairwoman Chiquita Lockley. “From the picket lines to major press moments, we’ve heard strong voices like Gina Prince-Bythewood, Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Issa Rae consistently address the need for equity for Black women across the spectrum of the entertainment industry.”
Pushing for Equity and Representation
With the theme “Standing on Business: How Creatives Get the Bag,” the summit aims to highlight the ongoing push for equity and representation within the entertainment industry.
The event will feature networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions focused on various aspects of the industry, as well as employment resources like the Amazing Stories Foundation PA program.
Amplifying Emerging Talents
The BWFN Short Film Festival, a platform dedicated to amplifying the talents of emerging and established Black women filmmakers, will also be presented in conjunction with the summit.
This year marks the first time since the pandemic that the film festival has been realigned with the BWFN Summit, further solidifying the organization’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Black women in the industry.
A Trailblazing Legacy
Now in its 27th year, the Black Women Film Network has been a trailblazing force in the industry since its establishment in 1997.
Through its programming, social media presence, and events like the BWFN Summit and BWFN Short Film Festival, the organization continues to inspire and empower Black women daily, serving as an essential platform for representation and growth.
