The Power of film to impact change
Following a presentation of her short film Illegal Rose, Harlem Lights Honoree and Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper and CCBFF Ambassador and Actor Sherri Shepherd (Brian Banks), will be joined by Royce Brooks, executive director, Annie’s List, a statewide political organization that works to elect progressive women to office in Texas. These powerful, Black women will embark on a discussion surrounding the intersection of race, film and politics and the importance of using the art of film to influence change.
Panelists

Deborah Riley Draper
CCBFF Harlem Lights Honoree
and Film Maker

Sherri Shepherd
CCBFF Ambassador, Actress and Comedian

Royce brooks
Executive Director
Annie’s List

Moderated by
Zakiyah Larry
Quest Media
Getting to the Green Light
Diversity is the buzzword circulating through Hollywood, however, the path to leveling the playing field is an arduous road. This panel will offer insights to aspiring and up-and-coming filmmakers on overcoming adversity, cutting through the clutter and discovering the path to getting your film noticed.
Panelists

Liliana Granados
Creative Executive
JuVee Productions

Elon Washington
Development Manager
Monkeypaw Productions

Shayla Cowan
Chief of Staff
Will Packer Productions
and Will Packer Media

Moderated by
Desirae Jones
Desi Jones, co
Black Woman Rising
Meet talented creatives who are rising in the film industry. Be one of the first to preview their work and learn about their journey to the top.
Panelists

Munirah Jones
Juntaland

Tia Williams
Gentrified

Tasha Edinbyrd
Take back the crown

Seckeita Lewis
Jerico

Jabree Webber
It Happened One Night
Textures & Tones
Earlier this year, Black actors throughout the industry began an online discussion about the lack of proper training among stylists and makeup artists in the film and television industry as it relates to styling Black talent.
Their cries were heard across the globe and this panel is designed to educate talented Black hairstylists and MUAs on the opportunities that exist within the film industry. The discussion will feature Black women who have forged their way into Hollywood after joining IATSE and the IATSE Local 484 will discuss the path to join the union and the opportunities that exist throughout Oklahoma and Texas.
Panelists

Nikki Bell
Dept: Lead and Hairstylist
IATSE Local 798 in Atlanta

Tasha Edinbyrd
Take back the crown

Laura King
Business Manager
IATSE Local 484

Moderated by
Zakiyah Larray
Quest Media