Founder terra renee

For the past 25 years, Founder and President of African American Women In Cinema Organization, Inc. (AAWIC), Terra Renee has utilized her strong background in filmmaking to serve as a continuous support for the vibrant work of women and is a strong voice for the community.

Before she founded AAWIC, Terra studied filmmaking and film directing at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completion of her studies, Ms. Renee associate produced several independent films including, Island Alicia, a feature which was the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival UN Certain Regard category.

Besides Terra’s film production success, she interned at Universal Pictures and served as a judge for some of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards such as the Emmy Awards, Student Academy Awards Oscars, New York Film Festival and NATPE. In addition, she has successfully Produced the Women of Excellence Salute Awards Hosted by Morgan Stanley and have created a platform for women of color filmmakers during the Sundance Film Festival with a partnership with the Utah Film Studios. In addition, she Co-Organize and Hosted the "Women In Power making a Global Difference" conference at the United Nations, sponsored by African Women for Good Governance. She was also a contributing author in the book entitled, “Michelle Obama’s Impact on African American Women and Girls,” in addition, she has recently authored a mini-Inspirational e-book, entitled, “Season of the Full Circle.” Ms. Renee was featured in Essence Magazine representing the Wal-Mart Voices of Color Film Series as well as the covers of both Change and Impact Atlanta International magazines. In addition, she was the recipient of 2011 NAACP Woman of the Year Award, as well as the 2012 Bill McCreary Living Legend Award, the 2013 Keeping the Dream Award presented by the prestigious youth organization, Jump Start, the 2014 Bridge Builder Award from the United African Coalition, 2017 “Woman on a Mission” Award, The Total Faith Network 2017 Dorothy Dandridge Image Award, the 2017 Promo Consulting Group in Partnership with the Nelson Mandela Award in Paris, 2020 Ambassadorship from The Jefferson Foundation, the 2021 Cauris d Or Ambassadorship Award, Senegal Africa and the 2022 Western Governors University “Innovative and Strategic Thinking Excellence Award.” She recently received the Co-Foundership Award for Daylight Africa an international program.”

In addition to her work in the entertainment industry Ms. Renee is a strong voice in the community who led through her organization, a multi-city anti-gun violence program that featured film screenings on the topic and brought together communities as well as its leaders to deal with the issue for a solution. She provides a platform for women of color filmmakers to showcase aligning experienced and novice filmmakers, directors, producers, and screenwriters through the organization she founded, African American Women In Cinema. Through the African American Women In Cinema platform, the organization hosts a film festival that features these works and highlight the next generation of filmmakers. Ms. Renee took the lead to provide a voice in her community through the New York City Speaks in providing the incoming Mayoral administration feedback from the community on a range of social issues. She also hosted a community event in association with the New York Public Library on who gangs target.

Ms. Renee was a Fellow recipient of the United Way and Baruch College Leadership of the Non- profit Sector program. She studied Contract Law and Women Making History at Harvard University Online Certificate program. She sits on the Executive Board of UNESCO NYS and the African Women for Good Governance, a member of #WinWithBlackWomen, formerly on the African American Committee of American Diabetes Association and a United Nations Delegate with NGO New Future Foundation for CSW 63. Invited member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a NYC Speaks Arts & Culture Policy Member. In addition, she was made a Princess by the King of Benin, Africa. Currently, she Executive Produced a documentary on American Gospel Icon, Marion Williams and “What’s In a Name:The Alfredo Versace Story” now available on Amazon Prime, amongst additional Film and TV projects. She recently made History as the First African American Woman Film Producer/Filmmaker to host a panel on Capitol Hill. She is also a Delegate of the United Nations NGO, New Future Foundation and a member of the World Conference of Mayors.

Read Terra's ebook, "Season of the Full Circle!"

New Book, "Season of the Full Circle"

Amazon.com: Terra Renee: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle