25th AAWIC Red Carpet Opening Night
The African American Women in Cinema Film Festival (AAWICFF) stands as a beacon of empowerment and creativity, celebrated as one of the most esteemed female film events in the nation. Since its inception in 1998, the festival has spotlighted the exceptional achievements of women filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, becoming a crucial platform for showcasing their work. This year’s festival marks a historic milestone with the 25th edition, honoring distinguished individuals for their contributions to the industry. The honorees include Skye Marshall, who will receive the 25th AAWICFF Trailblazer Award, Allison McGevna, SVP of iOne Digital, 25th AAWICFF Pioneer Award, Cheryl Hill, Renowned Film Producer, 25th AAWICFF Pioneer Award, and Felicia Henderson, Renowned Producer and Writer, with the 25th AAWICFF Trailblazer Award.
25th AAWIC FF Honorees at the Red Carpet Opening Night!
25th AAWIC FF PIONEER HONOREE
Allison McGevna is a writer, editor, cultural influencer and media executive. As the SVP of Content at iOne Digital, she leads a team of brilliant storytellers in the creation of content for a multicultural and multigenerational audience.
25th AAWIC FF PIONEER HONOREE
Cheryl Hill is the CO-Founding Partner of the Harlem Film Company, an integrated film and digital media studio, whose mission is to develop, acquire, produce, market, and distribute Black and Latinx independent films for the global market.
25th AAWIC FF TRAILBLAZER
Felicia D. Henderson, is an award-winning writer, producer, director, and scholar. She is the creator of Soul Food, the first successful African American one-hour drama series, which earned multiple NAACP Image Awards and an Emmy nomination. Her directorial debut, The Rebel Girls, inspired by the true story of young Black girls jailed for integrating a segregated movie theater in 1963 Georgia, has garnered critical acclaim and multiple festival awards.
25th AAWIC FF TRAILBLAZER
Skye P. Marshall, currently stars opposite Kathy Bates on CBS’s Matlock as “Olympia,” a sharp, justice-driven attorney, earning critical acclaim and nominations from the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards and Gotham TV Awards. Her film work includes a standout performance in Qasim Basir’s To Live & Die and Live, premiering May 30th, which debuted at Sundance and drew praise from Deadline. Known for her roles as “Mambo Marie” in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and “Kara Fowdy” in Black Lightning, Skye has built a diverse body of work across projects like Coup!, Park Avenue, A Lot of Nothing, and Her With Love. Her television credits span Good Sam, East New York, This Is Us, Grey’s Anatomy, and more, solidifying her as a versatile and compelling talent.
Special Presentation at the Red Carpet Opening Night!
Hon. Jumanee Williams, NYC Public Advocate
Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of the City of New York. Previously, he served on the NYC Council representing the 45th District.
Red Carpet Opening Night Exclusive Screening
Synopsis
"To Live and Die and Live"
Muhammad, a strong, handsome Hollywood film director, makes his way through the gorgeous and alluring landscapes of a rebuilt Detroit - the glistening legacy of his newly deceased stepfather Khalid, a beloved and highly regarded building contractor. Muhammad has returned for the funeral, but his own battle with addiction, which he hides from the world, drives him to immediately fade away into the sultry, late-night, drug-saturated after-hours of Detroit and an equally intoxicating romantic relationship. As he struggles to cope, Muhammad's family and friends look to him as a leader and provider, and he forges ahead shouldering all of their needs, claiming he's got this, even though it's a lot - maybe too much.
Directed by: Qasim Basir
Starring: Skye P. Marshall, Amin Joseph, Omari Hardwick, Cory Hardict
RED CARPET OPENING NIGHT MODERATOR
Veronica Keitt
Veronica Keitt is the founder of The People’s Film Festival in Harlem NY. Her background spans over 25 years in independent media as a Television Director, Producer, and Editor. Known for her unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and media access to all, she believes in the power of the media when you place it into the hands of the people. “Everyone has a story to tell”, she often says, and she credits new technology which essentially helped leveled the playing field to let all “voices” in. She is a documentarian and has directed, written and produced several cutting-edge documentaries including “365 Days of Marching the Amadou Diallo Story”, and most recently “The Black Spades” a story about redemption and survival of the oldest gangs in the Bronx, NY. She also created several award winning Cable Access shows including Community Cop with the late Ozzie Thompson. Veronica has a background in law enforcement and holds a BA and MPA/IG from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Red Carpet Opening Night Tickets!
Red Carpet Opening Ticket Fee: $35.00
Click here to purchase ticket bit.ly/4cAveHR
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Location: LaGuardia Community College located at 31-10 Thomson Ave, Queens NY 11101 (please enter on Van Dam Street between Thomson Ave and 47th avenue).
*Please note, the event will take place at the LaGuardia Community College Little Theater. Upon arrival, you will be directed to the VIP Reception and to the Theater.
*There will not be any admittance 15 minutes after the program starts.