HBCU First LOOK Film Festival 2023

Miles Ahead Entertainment & Broadcasting

A unique film festival celebrating Black filmmakers rooted in the HBCU culture at Howard University in Washington, D.C. November 10-12, 2023

Armour J. Blackburn University Center

HBCU FIRST LOOK FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ITS INAUGURAL YEAR AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY WITH NETFLIX AND HIGHER GROUND’S RUSTIN, DIRECTED BY GEORGE C. WOLFE, AS OPENING NIGHT FILM Festival to include Sessions led by Acclaimed HBCU Alumni Such As Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter; Media Mogul, Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Urban One, Inc.; and Today’s Hottest Producers, Directors, Stephen “Dr.” Love, Courtney Glaude, Actress Terri J. Vaughn, actor Peyton Alex Smith and Emmy Award-Winner Daytime EP, Jawn Murray. WASHINGTON DC, October 11, 2023 – HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) kicks off its inaugural year at Howard University also known as ‘the Mecca.’ The festival will take place the weekend of November 10 – 12, 2023 and showcase a stellar group of leading HBCU alumni joining the (HBCUFLF) initiative with film challenges, internships, college tours and additional festival programming.With the theme ‘A Celebration of Black Filmmakers Rooted in HBCU Culture’,” attendees will experience a diaspora of HBCU students and alumni in film and broadcast coming together to celebrate Black films, nurture Black talent, and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative work.“I’m excited to bring together a collective of partners who share my vision to build an annual initiative exclusively designed to serve as a unique pipeline for HBCU students,” states Sheila Eldridge, Festival Founder and CEO of the Award-Winning firm, Miles Ahead Entertainment &amp; Broadcasting. “There has been an overwhelming response from my fellow HBCU alumni who are lending their support to both inspire and educate our festival attendees”.Kicking off “Opening Night at the Movies” on Friday, November 10 is Netflix and Higher Ground’s ‘Rustin'. Executive produced by Higher Ground's Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, ‘Rustin’ is the story of Bayard Rustin, the architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington. Directed by DGA Award and five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and starring Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo. Produced by Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen, Higher Ground's Tonia Davis and George C. Wolfe, the film features an all-star cast. Rustin will be in select theaters November 3 and on Netflix November 17.As part of its programming, the festival will host an HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge. The challenge has received over 150 submissions from HBCU students across the country who are expected to converge on the campus of Howard University in November.On Saturday, November 11th “My HBCU JOY” filmmakers ‘Welcome Lunch’ will feature Hampton alum, two-time Academy Award winning film costume designer Ruth E. Carter, as Keynote Speaker. She will be honored with the Café Mocha Salute HER’ Women of Style Award presented by AARP.TV One will present A Conversation with Urban One Founder and Chairperson, Cathy Hughes and host the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Awards where seven HBCU First LOOK Film finalists will be announced with the winner receiving a $5,000 grand prize and internship.The festival’s “Closing Night at the Movies” will feature the film, “The Crossover: 50 years of Hip Hop and Sports,” presented by ESPN E60 . A surprise performance will accompany this film block. From panel discussions to Master Classes led by alumni, participants will have the opportunity to attend two days of continuous curated screenings of independent films in the festival’s “We Gotta Have It” Film Marathon, which will also feature HBCU student filmmaker finalist films. They can attend the 1st Annual PITCHFEST with major Hollywood Executives and visit the HBCUgo.tv Career Lounge where participants will have the opportunity to jumpstart their careers with internship opportunities.Presenting sponsors and media partners include AARP, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Café Mocha Network, Howard University Television + Film. Howard University Television (WHUT), HBCUGO.TV, Howard University Radio Network HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142, L.A.I. Communications, ESPN and Netflix.For more information on the inaugural HBCU First Look Film Festival full schedule, purchase tickets and hotel accommodations, visit <a href="http://www.hbcufirstlook.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.hbcufirstlook.com</a>.All social platforms @HBCUfirstlook #hbcufirstlook #blackfilmmakers #hbcuAbout Miles Ahead Entertainment &amp; BroadcastingMiles Ahead Entertainment (MAE) is a woman-and minority-owned, MDOT/WOSB certified, global multicultural agency specializing in strategic planning, social media marketing and virtual events, talent acquisition management, concierge sponsorship engagement. Subsidiary Miles Ahead Broadcasting has produced award winning broadcast television and audio productions Café Mocha Radio &amp; TV and Salute Her Awards. MAE’s principal, Sheila Eldridge, is a Howard University, Cathy Hughes School of Communications graduate and has been recognized with NAACP Image Awards, Women In Media Gracie Awards, Telly Award and Living Legends Foundation ‘Entrepreneur’ Award to name a few.HBCU First LOOK Film FestivalThe HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is inspiring a new generation of minority talent in the film, television, and broadcasting industry by teaching HBCU students’ practical skills to improve their craft, and creating places to showcase their work, and connecting executives and students to a pipeline of talent and career opportunities. About RustinExecutive produced by Higher Ground's Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, ‘Rustin’ is the story of Bayard Rustin, the architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington and one of the greatest activists and organizers the world has ever known. He challenged authority, never apologized for who he was, what he believed, or who he desired. And he did not back down. He made history, and in turn, he was forgotten. Directed by DGA Award and five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and starring Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo, Rustin shines a long overdue spotlight on the extraordinary man who, alongside giants like the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Ella Baker, dared to imagine a different world, and inspired a movement in a march toward freedom. Produced by Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen, Higher Ground's Tonia Davis and George C. Wolfe, the film features an all-star cast including Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, CCH Pounder, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Johnny Ramey, Michael Potts, with Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald. Screenplay by Julian Breece and Academy Award winner Dustin Lance Black. The film’s score was composed by 3-time Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and music historian Branford Marsalis. Multiple Grammy Award winner Lenny Kravitz also contributed an original song, “Road To Freedom.” In select theaters November 3 and on Netflix November 17. A Talk Back will follow the movie screening.

Friday, November 10

Open Registration PHOTO BOOTH:  STUDENT Head Shots 

“We Gotta Have It” Film Marathon - Continuous curated film screenings featuring HBCU student filmmaker challenge finalists with independent alumni film premieres.

 

 “Hustle & Flow” Jumpstart YOUR Career!   Learn about and sign up for internship and meet vendors in the Lounge:  Learn about summer 2024 internships and One on One mentorship opportunities.

“We Gotta Have It” Film marathon & “Hustle & Flow” Jumpstart YOUR Career! 

Join us for "Waiting To Exhale: A Cinematic Journey Through Documentary Filmmaking" and unlock the power of storytelling through the lens of a documentary filmmaker. Your voice, your story, and your vision can change the world, and this workshop will equip you with the skills to do just that.

 

Embark on a captivating voyage into the world of documentary filmmaking with our immersive workshop, "Waiting To Exhale: A Cinematic Journey Through Documentary Filmmaking." In this enriching and hands-on experience, you'll delve into the art and craft of documentary storytelling, gaining insights and skills that will empower you to create compelling narratives that inspire, inform, and provoke change.

"Waiting To Exhale” A Cinematic Journey Through Documentary Filmmaking

TV One Presents:  Conversation with Urban One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes and HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, Founder Sheila Eldridge.  Hosted by Loni Love seven HBCU First LOOK Film finalists will be announced with the winner receiving a $5,000 grand prize. 

TV One Presents:  Conversation with Urban One Founder/Chairperson Cathy Hughes

“The Best Man’: How to Land a Role as an Actor w/ All American Star, Peyton Alex Smith.  

“The Best Man’: How to Land a Role as an Actor 

They Cloned Tyrone”:  Join us for a Master Class with Producer & Morehouse alum, Stephen "Dr" Love

‘Set It Off’ Join us for a Master Class in the Director Chair

Film Director Damian Marcano

Paramount+ Presents LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West. The anthology series follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost on his beloved family.

Paramount+ Presents LAWMEN: BASS REEVES

Buses will depart from the Crampton Auditorium at 5:30 no later than 5:45.    

Attendance by registration only at www.HBCUfirstLOOK.com

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-invitation-opening-night-hbcu-first-look-night-at-the-movies-tickets-735286219877?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Bus Departure Times:

Morgan State - 4:30pm 

Bowie State - 5pm 

Howard University - 5:30pm 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

- You must present official ID (i.e. Driver's License, Passport or Student ID)

-  If you RSVP'd for you and a guest, please advise of your guest name to be included on guest list.

Transportation to Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

Reception, Screening & Talk Back 

HBCU First LOOK Opening Night at the Movie’s – Presented by Netflix kicks off with ‘Rustin’ Screening & Talk Back.   Produced by former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, ‘Rustin’ is the story of Bayard Rustin one of the greatest activists and organizers of the 60’s who challenged authority, never apologized for who he was and what he believed!  

HBCU First LOOK Opening Night at the Movie’s – Presented by Netflix

Saturday, November 11

Open Registration

“We Gotta Have It” Film Marathon:   Continuous curated film screenings featuring HBCU student filmmaker challenge finalists with independent alumni film premieres. 

 

“Hustle & Flow” Jumpstart YOUR Career!   Learn about and sign up for internship and meet vendors in the Lounge:  Learn about summer 2024 internships and One on One mentorship opportunities.

Info Session Title: Academy Gold Talent Development and Inclusion Programs – An inside look into programs and fellowships focused on early and mid-career film industry opportunities, and how to apply as a university student or alumnus.

 

Workshop Title: Crafting a Dynamic Resume for Success in the Film Industry 

Are you eager to break into the film industry? Then the Gold Rising Internship Enhancement Summer Program is for you.  Join us for an exclusive workshop led by the Academy’s Niti Shah, where you will learn how to build a dynamic resume aimed to help set you on the path to success. This workshop is designed to provide the essential tools and knowledge needed to stand out in the competitive world of film and entertainment. 

Info Session Title: Academy Gold Talent Development and Inclusion Programs

Moderated by Producer and Director Lewis Powell

“From Dream to Screen”: How to Finance and Distribute Your Movie with “the Reading” producer Courtney Glaude, BK Fulton, Chairman & CEO, Soulidifly Productions and Curtis Symonds, President HBCUgo.tv

“From Dream to Screen”: How to Finance and Distribute Your Movie

Luncheon - “My HBCU JOY” Cafe Mocha radio filmmakers Luncheon hosted by Loni Love with honoree and keynote speaker Hampton alumni and two-time Academy award-winner Ruth E Carter.  

Luncheon - “My HBCU JOY” Cafe Mocha filmmakers Luncheon hosted by Loni Love

‘Set It Off’ Join us for a Master Class in the Director’s Chair with actress and director Terri J. Vaughn

‘Set It Off’ Join us for a Master Class in the Director’s Chair

A View from Corporate Seat, Marketing track hosted by Jawn Murray, Caralene Robinson and Shani Hosten 

"A View from Another Seat Marketing Track" hosted by Harriette Cole

The Academy Presents a Conversation with Two-Time Academy Award ®-Winner Ruth E. Carter ("Black Panther") and Kim Taylor-Coleman ("BlacKkKlansman") 

 

If you’ve ever watched a Spike Lee or Tyler Perry film, chances are you’ve seen the work of costume designer Ruth E. Carter and casting director Kim Taylor-Coleman.  Join us for an intimate conversation on craft and culture with Ruth and Kim as they discuss their paths into the industry and what it takes to have a successful career in entertainment.  Moderator: Tim Gordon, Film Executive and Film Critic

The Academy Presents a Conversation with Two-Time Academy Award®-Winners

HBCU First LOOK Filmmakers finalist’ One on One’ Sessions with producers & Pitch Contest.

"PITCHFEST attendees can come and pitch their TV or film ideas to Hollywood Studio Executive, Ms. Courtney Parker, and more! Winner will receive a Shopping Agreement with A+E Factual Studios."

HBCU First LOOK Filmmakers finalist’ One on One’ Sessions

HBCU FIRST Reception/Mixer /Feature DJ/Photo Opportunities hosted by Government of the District of Columbia, Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment (OCTFME) - Food & honoring the finalist and grand prize winners as well as all who submitted films.

HBCU FIRST Reception/Mixer /Feature DJ/Photo Opportunities

HBCU First LOOK Closing Night at the Movie’s –ESPN Presents “The Crossover: 50 years of Hip Hop and Sports” E60 sports.  Talk Back with producer Julian Gooden, and "Get UP DC Morning" WUSA9 anchor Wisdom Martin with spoken word Ghanaian rapper ‘Roggieraw’ Bowie State University alum

HBCU First LOOK Closing Night at the Movie’s

Sunday, November 12

The festival concludes by coming together for faith service at Cramton Auditorium .

Closing Day Film Screening

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HBCU First LOOK Film Festival 2023

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