OCT. 22-23, 2016 www.reelsisters.org
A F R I C A N
V O I C E S
B O A R D
CAROLYN A. BUTTS, PUBLISHER/EDITOR JEANNETTE CURTIS-RIDEAU, BOARD CHAIRPERSON KENNETH MEEKS, BOARD TREASURER
R E E L S I S T E R S F I L M F E S T I VA L C O M M I T T E E 2 0 1 6 Carolyn A. Butts, Founder/Festival Director Lisa Durden, Festival Curator Jennifer Heslop, Festival Coordinator Ksisay Sadiki, Production Manager Rose-Ann Green, Technical Assistant Iman Childs, Social Media Manager Nicole Mitchell, Volunteer Coordinator Pittershawn Palmer, Webmaster REEL SISTERS ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Kojo Ade, Kim Singleton, Nicole Franklin and Janice Johnson. REEL SISTERS JURY MEMBERS Keisha-Gaye Anderson, Rachel Johnson, Syreeta Gates, Patrice Bradshaw, Rodney Hurley and Clairesa Clay. M E D I A S P O N S O R S & C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S ImageNation Cinema Foundation, Akila Worksongs, Walk Tall Girl Productions, Tilsa Wright,National Black Programming Consortium, Amsterdam News, Black Documentary Collective, New Voices In Black Cinema, Hollywood’s Black Renaissance: Women of the African Diaspora in Film & Television, Kumble Theater, Black Employees of Time Warner, The Documentary Forum at CCNY, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (The Tau Omega Chapter), LIU Alumni Association, LIU Media Arts Dept. and LIU Brooklyn. VOLUNTEERS 2016 Special thanks to all our volunteers! LaZette McCants & Volunteer Divas & Divos Plus, Volunteers for Arts & Culture & Community, Schomburg Center, Stacey Jones and Marliana Martin. 3
F O U N D E R + F E S T I VA L D I R E C T O R
CAROLYN A. BUTTS
Dear Friends, Welcome to the 19th Annual Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series. Congratulations to our honorees Cathy Hughes (TV One) and Naturi Naughton (Power) for their outstanding contributions to media and television. We’re proud of the progress by women of color to create opportunities to produce, direct and write our own stories. Ava Duvernay teamed up with Oprah to produce Queen Sugar on OWN and tapped veteran filmmakers like Neema Barnette (Reel Sisters Trailblazer honoree) to write and direct episodes for the series. Actresses Viola Davis and Kerry Washington launched JuVee Productions to begin producing digital, broadcast and cable content for ABC Studios. It’s exciting to see more African-American, Latina and Asian women understanding that the power to create stories and opportunities begins behind the camera. Join Reel Sisters on Sunday, Oct. 23rd for a Women’s Power Panel on Women-Owned Production Companies. Industry professionals will share their successes and challenges in launching and running their own studios. We have 40 amazing films in this year’s festival representing women filmmakers from the UK to India and Brooklyn! We have incredible stories that will inspire, empower and ignite healing conversations on issues we need to address. There are films that will make you laugh and appreciate the fullness of life and love. We will celebrate our 20th Anniversary in 2017 — please spread the word about Reel Sisters!
Thank you for your support! Peace & blessings, Carolyn A. Butts Reel Sisters Founder/Festival Director Follow: @africanvoices + @reelsisters 4
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F E S T I V A L
C U R A T O R
LISA DURDEN “Success is the greatest revenge,” Oscar Award – winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, host of The View.
Dear Reel Sisters Family, It is with great pleasure to welcome you to the 19th Annual Reel Sisters of the Diaspora and Lecture Series. I absolutely love TV One . Anyone who knows me knows that it’s my religion! So as the curator of Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, you can imagine how excited I was to receive confirmation from TV One owner Cathy Hughes that she will attend our awards ceremony to accept the Reel Sisters Hattie McDaniel Award. We were equally as excited when actress and star of the hit Starz Series “Power,” Naturi Naughton, agreed to receive the coveted Reel Sisters Trailblazer Award. These inspiring women more than deserve this honor, and we are delighted to celebrate their accomplishments with MC and funny lady, Kim Coles, and stellar performances by Meli’sa Morgan and Kimberly Nichole. EPIC! I have participated in several Reel Sisters programs and attended the festival as a filmmaker. So it was surreal, when the festival founder, Carolyn A. Butts, commissioned me to serve as the curator and lead the curatorial team in selecting exclusive films for Reel Sisters. There are no shortcuts. Our commitment to finding great films made by and about women that are new, interesting, and shape our collective culture will be reflected in our diverse and exciting content. We look forward to your presence!! Namaste, Lisa Durden Reel Sisters/Festival Curator 6
THE HATTIE MCDANIEL PROJECT
Equality eluded Ms. Hattie McDaniel, the 1940 Oscar-winning actress (of Gone with the Wind fame), over the course of her lifetime (1895-1952). The Hattie McDaniel Project (2017) is a documentary that explores how the absence of equality, even today, impacts women and their day-to-day existence. While the film scrutinizes the confrontational era in which Ms. McDaniel lived, there will also be a “behind-the-scenes” study that investigates the lives of the women connected to the project and their own personal challenges. BACKGROUND Hattie McDaniel was the first black performer to win the Academy Award in 1940 for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939). She also was the first black major radio star and acted in over 300 films (she was only credited with less than 90). This project will utilize a mostly female crew. The objective will be to connect & address the diversity issues during Ms. McDaniel’s era and the entertainment landscape of today. Kevin John Goff Bio www.HattieMcDaniel.com Kevin John Goff is an actor/filmmaker/writer based in Los Angeles, CA and is the great-grandnephew of the Oscar-winning actress, Ms. Hattie McDaniel. He is currently the producer/director of The Hattie McDaniel Project, an endeavor comprised of a three-part documentary and 30+ additional components. Mr. Goff is a member of the International Documentary Association, the Mayme Clayton Library & Museum, and the Executive Director of Branding & Global Development for The Swing Prophets (a rhythm/swing group in Europe).
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MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
KIM COLES
ACTRESS / COMEDIENNE / AUTHOR / HOST
Actress, comedienne, author, playwright, producer and TV personality Kim Coles is truly a renaissance woman. Best known for her zany characters and outrageous sense of humor, Kim began her journey to Hollywood when she was announced the runner-up in the “Big Beautiful Woman” pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She rode her beauty pageant success into a plussize modeling career and began performing as a stand-up comedienne, which ultimately turned into a showbiz career that has continued to skyrocket. Beloved by audiences for her five-season turn as the unforgettable “Synclaire” on FOX’s ground-breaking comedy series, Living Single, Kim has starred in numerous hit television programs including Frasier, Six Feet Under, In Living Color, One on One and the uproarious TBS comedy series 10 Items Or Less. She was the co-host of the nationally syndicated daytime talk show, In the Loop with iVillage and has been a guest co-host for various shows, including The View, The Talk and Good Day Live. She was the host of BET’s My Black is Beautiful. Kim Coles is also an author who wrote two best-selling books, I’m Free But it Will Cost You: The Single Life According to Kim Coles and The Gratitude Journal. Adding motivational speaker to her resume, Kim combines comedy and inspiration to produce a transformational program called G.I.F.T.S, designed to help you to discover your own true “gifts” so you may share them with the world. For information visit www.openthegifts.com 8
REEL SISTERS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 2016, LIU BROOKLYN
SPIKE LEE SCREENING RM
LLC 109
SECTION A. 1 pm-1:45 pm Priyanath, 11 min. Ugly, 21 min.
SECTION A. 1 pm-2 pm INA, 2 min. Everything But Curiosity, 2 min. Amenze: In Between Worlds, 12 min. Fanny Pack, 11 min. Sound of Tears, 15 min. Pangaea, 7 min.
SECTION B. 1:50 pm-2:40 pm Everything I Did Wrong In My 20s, 25 min. The BFF Chronicles, 15 min.
SECTION B. 2:05 pm-3:06 pm HomeGirls, 21 min. Harlem’s Handmaids, 14 min. Holding History: The Collections of Charles L. Blockson, 16 min.
SECTION C. 2:45 PM-3:40 PM Rigamo, 13 min. Bird, 10 min. Barbasol, 22 min. SECTION D. LECTURE SERIES PANEL 3:45 pm-5:15 pm
SECTION C. 3:11 pm-4:21 pm Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess, 60 min.
WOMEN’S POWER PANEL: Women-Owned Production Companies
SECTION E. 4:26 pm-6:03 pm Ben & Ara, 86 min.
SECTION E. 5:20 pm-6:28 pm Paralysis, 20 min. The Fly In the Buttermilk, 20 min. MOMS, 18 min.
SECTION F. 6:08 PM-7:13 PM Roots, 11 min. Sista in the Brotherhood, 21 min. ‘Til Death, 23 min.
SECTION F. 6:33 pm-8:03 pm Trapped, 80 min.
SECTION G. 7:18 pm-8:13 pm Soul City, 20 min. Super Chef, 11 min. Post Life, 14 min.
SECTION G. 8:08 pm-9:58 pm Chapter & Verse, 100 min. SECTION H. 10:05 pm-11:38 pm The Revival: Woman and the Word, 83 min.
SECTION H. 8:18 pm-9:28 pm Fred Ho’s Last Year, 60 min. SECTION I. 9:33 pm-10:47 pm Zanzibar Soccer Dreams, 64 min.
SUNDAY, OCT. 23, 2016, LIU BROOKLYN
SPIKE LEE SCREENING RM SECTION A. 1 pm-2:01 pm The Unwritten Law, 21 min. Love, New York, 10 min. Get Some, 15 min.
SECTION C. 3:11 pm-4:13 pm PLUS!, 26 min. A Conversation, 21 min. SECTION D. 4:18 pm-5:30 pm Wilhemina’s War, 62 min.
SECTION B. 2:06 pm-3:06 pm Micro-Budget Filmmaking, 60 min. Host: Nicole Franklin
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REEL SISTERS AWARDS SCHEDULE 2016 OPENING PERFORMANCE BY: Kimberly Nichole GREETINGS: Kim Coles’ Opening Monologue NATURI NAUGHTON: TRAILER NATURI NAUGHTON AWARD PRESENTATION KIM COLES PERFORMANCE REEL SISTERS GREETINGS TO GUESTS MELI’SA MORGAN: TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE KEVIN JOHN GOFF, REEL SISTERS HATTIE MCDANIEL AWARD PRESENTATION CATHY HUGHES: TRAILER CATHY HUGHES AWARDS PRESENTATION PRESENTERS: Dyana Williams, On-air Personality, Old School 100.3 & TV One Unsung Contributor; Kim Singleton, Reel Sisters Advisory Board and AKA Tau Omega Chapter Presentation COUNCIL MEMBERS LAURIE CUMBO & JUMAANE WILLIAMS PROCLAMATION PRESENTATION TO HONOREES REEL SISTERS FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS (OCT. 22-23, 2016) CLOSING PERFORMANCE BY: Kimberly Nichole
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REEL SISTERS PERFORMERS MELI’SA MORGAN This R&B songstress exploded on the music scene in the late 80’s. As a sultry singer with a silky voice made for Slow R&B ballads and Funky Soul. Blessed with the gift of song and passionate soulful vocals, Meli’sa’s vocal style and sound was captured in songs like “DO ME BABY,” “DO YOU STILL LOVE ME,” “FOOL’S PARADISE” and “NOW OR NEVER.” Her vocals are as strong and powerful as Chaka Khan or Aretha Franklin while giving you soft kitten sensuality that will pull you in and musically speaking... Seduce you! Recently, Meli’sa was featured on an episode of “UNSUNG T,” which focused on her impact in the music industry. Meli’sa has recorded five successful albums which has produced hits like “LOVE CHANGES” W/ KASHIF , “IF YOU CAN DO IT,” “STILL IN LOVE,” “BACK TOGETHER AGAIN” W/FREDDIE JACKSON, “GOOD LOVE,” “CAN YOU GIVE ME WHAT I WANT,” DON’T YOU KNOW,” THE LADY IN ME,” and “I REMEMBER” just to name a few.
KiMBERLY NiCHOLE Rolling Stone describes her as a “superhero hybrid of Aretha Franklin’s vocals with Bono’s stage presence” Seattle born and raised, Kimberly Nichole was a break out star on NBC’s The Voice Season 8. Her show stopping performances, style and powerful voice earned her standing ovations every week from coaches Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Pharrell. Known as the Rock Ballerina she has been paving her way as a millennial generation song stylist and songwriter since her childhood. She’s shared the stage with SLASH, Nona Henryx, Living Colour, The Heavy, Jason Derulo and Alice Smith. Her music has been featured on MTV, BET, LOGO, VH1 and Showtime. Twitter/Instagram:@KimNicky Facebook: KimberlyNichole
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NATURI NAUGHTON ACTRESS
Naturi Naughton stars opposite Omari Hardwick in Starz Network’s #1 hit series “Power,” created by powerhouse producer/writer Courtney Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent. Naturi is a singer and actress best known for her performances as Lil Kim in Fox Searchlight’s hit film “Notorious” and her role in MGM’s remake of the classic film “Fame”. Naughton has starred in various other projects including Warner Bros.’ “Lottery Ticket” where she starred opposite Loretta Devine, Ice Cube, Mike Epps, and Bow Wow. On the small screen, Naughton is known for her memorable guest performances on “Mad Men” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and her roles on “The Playboy Club” and “The Client List.” She also appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning musical, “Hairspray” for three years. Before her transition into film and television, Naughton was a member of the Platinum selling pop trio 3LW. She was greatly inspired by Whitney Houston as a child and knew by the age of five that she wanted to be a singer and an actress. Naughton was born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey and attended Seton Hall University. She believes that her faith, tenacity and fearlessness will give her longevity and continue her prosperous career. Recently, Naughton was honored with top awards by WEEN Women Entertainment Executive Network, NAACP Image Awards nominee, CIROC Women of Empowerment, Black Women Film Summit and among other awards. Naturi currently splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.
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REEL SISTERS OF THE DIASPORA S A L U T E S
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY AWARD
DIRECTOR: Mariona Lloreta & Cinematographer: Mariona Lloreta Amenze: In Between Worlds
BEST SCREENPLAY AWARD
DIRECTOR/WRITER: R. Shanea Williams & Producers: Anthony J. Davis, Mshon Pulliam, J.C. Williams Paralysis
BEST EXPERIMENTAL AWARD
DIRECTOR: Olivia Peace & Producer: Ethan Senser Pangaea
BEST SHORT AWARD
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Anietie Antia-Obong & PRODUCERS: Marcus Warren, Joe D. Norman Priyanath
BEST NARRATIVE AWARD
DIRECTOR: Nnegest Likke & PRODUCERS: Samone Norsworthy, Constance Ejuma, Joseph Baird Ben and Ara
REEL SISTERS BEST WEB SERIES AWARD DIRECTORS: Kaira Akita, Natasha “TASH” Gray & PRODUCER: Kim Williams Everything I Did Wrong In My 20s
BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: June Cross Wilhemina’s War
BEST DIRECTOR AWARD
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS: Monica Berra, SheRea DelSol, Gini Richards Soul City
REEL SISTERS SPIRIT AWARD
DIRECTOR: Dawn Jones Redstone & PRODUCER: Roberta Hunte Sista in the Brotherhood PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Roy T. Anderson & PRODUCER: Harcourt T. Fuller Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess
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CATHY HUGHES FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON Radio One, Inc. Cathy Hughes is a dynamic, media pioneer who demonstrates the power of one – one woman, one vision, one company — Radio One. As Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation, Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television and digital media. Hughes began her radio career in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska at KOWH (AM), a station owned by a group of African-American professionals. In 1971, she moved to Washington, D.C. and became a lecturer in the newly established School of Communications at Howard University. During her tenure, she served as General Sales Manager at WHUR, Howard University Radio, increasing the station’s revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in her first year. She also became the first woman Vice President and General Manager of a station in the nation’s capital and created the format known as the “Quiet Storm,” which revolutionized urban radio and was aired on over 480 stations nationwide.
to rank number one in any major market. Its success has earned Cathy Hughes hundreds of prestigious awards and recognitions including: the ADColor Lifetime Achievement Award, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Phoenix Award, the NAACP Chairman’s Award, the Giant of Broadcasting Award, the Uncommon Height of Excellence Award, the Essence Women Shaping the World Award, the Ida B. Wells Living Legacy Award, induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame, and most recently, the corner of 4th and H Street in Washington D.C. was named Cathy Hughes Corner in her honor.
Today, Radio One is the parent corporation of several subsidiaries: TV One, the premiere, African-American owned cable television network in the country and current home of the hit shows UnSung, NewsOne Now, and the reality show R&B Divas; Reach Media, which presents syndicated radio programs like the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and the Tom Joyner Morning Show; Interactive One, home of several popular websites including The Daily Grind and Hello Beautiful; and One Solution, a marketing firm that allows Radio One is the first African-American advertisers to take advantage of all of the company in radio history to dominate assets under the Radio One brand. several major markets simultaneously and is the first woman-owned radio station
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Women’s Power Panel:
WOMEN OWNED PRODUCTION COMPANIES Reel Sisters offers a conversation with industry professionals who produce their own films and media content. From Oprah to Viola Davis, women of color are taking their destiny in their own hands by launching production companies. MODERATOR Moikgantsi Kgama an audience development specialist with a reputation for excellence in her field. Her credits include: I WILL FOLLOW, Academy Award nominated TROUBLE THE WATER, KILLER SHEEP and LUMUMBA to name a few. She is also the founder of the ImageNation Cinema Foundation. A Harlem-based nonprofit media arts organization, ImageNation presents progressive media by and about people of color, with the goal of establishing a chain of art-house cinemas dedicated to these works. Through a variety of public exhibitions and programs, ImageNation fosters media equity, media literacy, solidarity, cross-cultural exchange and highlights the humanity of Pan-African people worldwide. ImageNation is currently developing its existing RAW SPACE Culture Gallery into a 60-seat, boutique cinema-café dedicated to Black and Latino film, music and culture. This social enterprise will be located in Harlem along the historic Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Visit: www.imagenation.us GUESTS Tracey Baker-Simmons is one of television’s most prolific and industry-forward innovators. As the former co-owner and executive producer of Simmons-Shelly Entertainment Studios (formerly B2 Entertainment Studios) a boutique-style film and television studio that was based out of Atlanta, Baker-Simmons is accredited with being one of the pioneers of urban celeb-reality, opening doors for African American talent and television producers in the reality television medium. In March 2009 BET.com referred to the producer as “one- half of the queens of urban reality and as holding court at the top of production for females.” As a frequent Reality Television expert for E! Channel online, Tracey continues to etch her name among the cornerstone of the industry’s best. 16
Graduating with a degree in Marketing and Finance from The University of Memphis, Tracey is a 16-year production veteran in film and television. In 2002 BakerSimmons produced the independent feature film The Book of Love, directed by Jeff Byrd and starring Sallie Richardson, Robin Givens, Treach of Naughty by Nature and Richard T. Jones of Judging Amy. During the early stages of her career, she also worked as a freelance producer in television production, which included clients such as distributor Pearson Television (Now Freemantle) and television networks ABC and CBS. Visit: www.hwy58media.com Rochelle Brown co-founded Powerhouse Productions in 2003, and serves as co-executive producer and co-CEO overseeing all development and productions. Her current projects are the acclaimed documentary short film, Harlem On My Plate, about the new food renaissance in Harlem, and the new Cooking Channel series, Patti LaBelle’s Place, hosted by Grammy-winning songstress Patti LaBelle. She has received critical acclaim for her hit reality television series, TV One’s Save My Son, hosted by Dr. Steve Perry, which won a 2013 NAMIC Vision Award and was nominated for a 2012 NAACP Image Award. Touching the hearts and minds of viewers, the program created a movement in communities around the country to save at-risk young African American men. Rochelle and her team have produced two highly rated series for the Cooking Channel, Fresh, Food, Fast, with Emeril Lagasse, and Road Trip with G. Garvin, which was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award. Barbara Bullard is a social innovator and catalyst for cultural transformation, be it the development of programming for Non Governmental Organization (NGO) initiatives at the United Nations or international marketing campaign. Her commitment to inspire, diversify, connect, and strengthen legacies manifests through her offerings as an entrepreneur, business advisor, marketing professional and writer. Her path began in media in the commercial and film industry serving as music production coordinator for Lintas: Worldwide, marketing specialist for Home Box Office (HBO) and management for the music production house, Elias Arts. Deciding to start a family, she shifted her focus to the non-profit sector while remaining committed to the idea of self-sustainability for those in creative industries. As managing consultant of the Arthur Ashe Foundation for more than seven years, Barbara managed archives and legacies of the tennis great. 17
REEL SISTERS WORKSHOP #FilmAFeatureIn8Days: Microbudget Filmmaking with Nicole Franklin
Fresh off her first narrative feature, TITLE VII, a microbudget film shot in eight days, award-winning filmmaker Nicole Franklin is a career documentarian, who also produced a number of narrative shorts after the feature documentary that launched her career. She will cover planning, financing and marketing your microbudget. Learn how to film your microbudget in eight days and attract heavy hitters to support your film career. BIO Nicole Franklin is an award-winning filmmaker. Through her 25 years in the industry Nicole has been a television director, editor, educator, and contributing writer to such publications as The Good Men Project, Toronto-based ByBlacks.com and NBCBLK. For seventeen years, her company EPIPHANY Inc. has been producing independent films for numerous cable networks including Showtime, BET, IFC, Nickelodeon, Sundance Channel, FUBU TV and kweliTV. In addition to the narrative feature on same-race discrimination in the workplace, TITLE VII, Nicole’s other credits include The Double Dutch Divas!, Journeys In Black: the Jamie Foxx Biography, Kids Around the World, Black Enterprise Business Report, Gershwin & Bess: A Dialogue with Anne Brown and the 10-chapter series Little Brother. Nicole’s affiliations include Directors Guild of America (DGA), Producers Guild of America (PGA East), IBEW, The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), The Black Documentary Collective (BDC) and New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT).
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COUNCIL MEMBER LAURIE CUMBO Laurie A. Cumbo was born and raised in Brooklyn, where she attended and graduated from the Berkeley Carroll Day School in Park Slope and Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene. After graduating Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Fine Art, she returned to Brooklyn and received her Master’s Degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University. As a cultural leader, entrepreneur, activist, college professor, educator, lecturer and small business owner working in the not-for-profit sector, she has dedicated her life to community development. Ms. Cumbo has led an effort to turn public housing into an ideal venue for cultural events, in which she privately raised $150,000 to provide monthly cultural programming by worldclass musicians and performers in the community centers and outdoor spaces.
COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE WILLIAMS REEL SISTERS HONORARY AMBASSADOR Since being elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 to represent the 45th District in the New York City Council, Jumaane D. Williams has been a tireless advocate for his constituents. In the wake of the devastating Haitian earthquake of January 2010, he helped coordinate the 45th District Haitian Relief Effort, a mobile clinic that provided economic and legal assistance to those affected and their families. As chair of the Oversight and Investigations Committee, Jumaane co-chaired hearings in all five boroughs to probe the city’s failed response to the blizzard of December 2010. He is also a member of the Higher Education, Housing and Buildings, Immigration, Land Use, Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses and Youth Services committees. Additionally, Jumaane serves as co-chair of the Gun Violence Task Force, vice chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and is a founding member of the Progressive Caucus.
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WINNERS OF THE CENTRIC/REEL SISTERS 2016 AWARDS! Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival congratulates Everything I did Wrong I My 20s and Soul City for winning our Centric/Reel Sisters Awards! Each film will receive an acquisition deal with Centric to air their film on one of the company’s digital and broadcast platforms. Stay tuned for more news! CENTRIC/REEL SISTERS AWARD 2016 FOR BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Soul City
Producers/Directors: Monica Berra, SheRea DelSol, Gini Richards Length: 19:57 min. Category: Documentary Soul City tells the story of a group of civil rights activists and city slickers who attempt to build a multiracial utopia in the heart of Klan Country, North Carolina in the 1970s. Their pioneering efforts to jumpstart this Black-owned and built town run up against opposition and challenges.
CENTRIC/REEL SISTERS AWARD 2016 FOR BEST NARRATIVE WEB SERIES
Everything I did Wrong In My 20’s
Directors: Kaira Akita, Natasha TASH Gray Producer: Kim Williams Length: 24:42 min. Category: Web series A series that follows the journey of a 35+ year old woman’s search for happiness after she loses her job. Ep. 12 “The Happy Ending Moment, visits her. Ep. 13: “The Faithful Moment”: Stephanie discovers faith.
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REEL SISTERS OF THE DIASPORA Film Festival + Lecture Series Women. Films. Empowerment. Celebrating women of color across the globe
SPONS ORS
Congratulations & Best Wishes To
REEL SISTERS OF THE DIASPORA 2016 Film Festival & Lecture Series NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN, INC. Bergen/Passaic County Chapter LEADERS OF ADVOCACY & SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. 2014 YWCA of Bergen County Racial Justice Awards Recipient Please Join Us On Sunday, November 20, 2016 For,
‘A Fashion And Flair Extravaganza Fashion Show’ The 2016 Mary Ann Miller Annual Scholarship Fundraiser AT THE LOGAN FAMILY LIFE CENTER, 274 Central Avenue, Hackensack, NJ, 07601 For Further Information Please Visit: http://www.ncbwbergenpassaic.org National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. THE BERGEN/PASSAIC CHAPTER 492C Cedar Lane – Suite 124 Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 287-9600 The mission of NCBW Bergen/Passaic is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic development. Yvonne L. Witter, President
30 Years of Women Making a Difference