Previous Panels and Panelists - Capital City Black Film Festival // Austin Texas

One-on-One with 2020 Guest Ambassador Anthony AndersoN

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

Anthony Anderson

2020 Ambassador
Actor

Jasmine Simpkins

Hip Hollywood Correspondent

A Discussion on Mental Health and Entertainment with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)

In partnership with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF), this discussion featured voices from the mental health community and the entertainment industry to discuss their career, overcoming obstacles – specifically those dealing with racism and discrimination – and how mental health plays a critical role in thriving in the industry.

Panelists

Daphne Maxwell Reid

Dr. Joe

Dr. Robin

Felicia D. Henderson

2020 Harlem Lights Award

This year’s Harlem Lights honoree is Austin’s own Mehcad Brooks. The actor uses his platform to speak out about injustice and continues to thrive in the entertainment industry. The award recognizes luminaries in all fields of endeavor. Mehcad is known for his roles in “Nobody’s Fool,” “A Fall From Grace,” and the highly anticipated film “Mortal Kombat.” He spoke during our opening night event with JuVee Productions’ Julius Tennon, the first Harlem Lights Award recipient

Panelists

Mehcad Brooks

Actor
2020 CCBFF Harlem Lights Award Honoree

Julius Tennon

JuVee Productions
President, Development and Production
2014 CCBFF Harlem Lights Award Honoree

Elevating Your Profile w/ Film Connx's Carolyn Pitt and Austin Film Society's Martin Jones

CCBFF Programming and PR Director Desirae A. Jones sat down with Film Connx’s Founder and CEO Carolyn Pitt and Austin Film Society’s Film Director Martin Jones to talk about breaking into the entertainment industry.

Panelists

Desirae A. Jones

Public Relations

Matin C. Jones

Austin Film Society

Director of Austin Studios

Carolyn Pitt

Film Connx’s Founder and CEO

Healing Starts at Home: How the Johnsons are Taking Back Their Power by Prioritizing Mental Health

The Johnson siblings – Dr. Joe (author, international speaker), Shay (actor, Love and Hip Hop Miami/Atlanta, Flavor of Love) and Emjay (recording artist, actor, Love and Hip Hop Miami) – have joined forces several times to leverage their talents to impact change among the youth. All multi-talented, the Johnson’s struggled to take their union to the next level without dealing with some of the issues that plagued their family for years. Join Shay, Emjay, Dr. Joe and Dr. Brandi (mental health clinician) for a heartfelt discussion on how their decision to focus on their mental health has unlocked the possibilities of working together and discover what’s next for the siblings and partners Dr. Joe and Dr. Brandi.

Panelists

Desirae A. Jones

Public Relations

Emjay Johnson

Dr. Brandi

Dr. Joe

Shany Johnson

The Power of film to impact change

Deborah Riley Draper

CCBFF Harlem Lights Award 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