2023 HBCU FirstLOOK Film Festival

NOVEMBER 10 -12, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Hotel Partner

Venue: Howard University Armour J. Blackburn University Center

A celebration of Black Filmmakers rooted in the HBCU Culture

BUY WEEKEND PASS

“HBCU First LOOK Opening Night at the Movies” – Presented by Netflix

SOLD OUT

The inaugural HBCU First LOOK 100 “I Aspire” List — a curated collection of notable content creators in the film, television, and broadcast industry.

The HBCU 100 acknowledges today’s leading HBCU alums while shining a light on HBCUs impact preparing the next generation of filmmakers and creatives.

We Salute YOU!

See the “I Aspire” List

Receive a student weekend pass for class credit, pre-approved by your professor(s)

FREE CLASS CREDIT PASS

SCHEDULE

11a.m - 3 p.m.

Open Registration

PHOTO BOOTH: STUDENT Head Shots

Running Concurrently - Friday & Saturday

12 noon – 5 p.m. Theater. Running Concurrent - Friday & Saturday

“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.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

"Waiting To Exhale” A Cinematic Journey Through Documentary Filmmaking with award winning producer Lisa Durden

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.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

“The Best Man”: How to Land an Acting Role with Actor Peyton Alex Smith.

3:00 p.m. – 3:45pm

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

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Screening & Talk Back

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.

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Transportation to Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). 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

Bus Departure Location / Times:

Morgan State - 4:30pm

Bus Loop Location:
McKeldin Center
1700 E. Coldspring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251

Howard University - 5:30pm
Cramton Auditorium
2400 Sixth St NW
Washington, DC 20059

Bowie State - 5pm

In front of the Student Center

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.

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

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!

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Open Registration

PHOTO BOOTH: STUDENT Head Shots

12 noon – 5 p.m. Theater. Running Concurrent - Friday & Saturday

“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.

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

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.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

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

12;15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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.

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

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

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

"A View from Another Seat Marketing Track" hosted by Harriette Cole, bestselling author, nationally syndicated advice columnist, motivational speaker, media trainer, professional public speaking coach, and veteran in the field of communications. Expert panelists are Caralene Robinson, director/producer, marketer, Shani Hosten, AARP VP, Audience Strategy Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Erika McCrary, Development Coordinator, Hallmark Media, formerly known as Crown Media Family Networks.

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

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

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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."

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

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.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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 ‘Foggieraw’ Bowie State University alum

Showcase your cinematic work for a chance to win a valued prize of $5,000

PRESENTED BY

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About the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & College Tour

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & Tour is an innovative annual HBCU initiative that focuses on Diversity and Inclusion opportunities that brings together HBCU students with HBCU graduates who are creators and leaders in film, TV, and broadcast industries.

The College Tour with on-site interactive engagement, social media messaging and a digital platform, we will showcase cinematic creative content works from the next generation of filmmakers, while providing hands on career development opportunities.

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