25th AAWIC FF VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
SCREENWRITERS WORKSHOP Guest Instructor: Phoenyx
In the screenwriters workshop led by Zilphia "Phoenyx" Wallace-Lakes, novice screenwriters delve into the art of crafting compelling screenplays. Through her guidance, participants gain a deep understanding of the essential steps involved in creating captivating narratives. With over a decade as Director of the African American Women in Cinema Atlanta Chapter, Phoenyx is a seasoned professional in the film industry. Her innovative work in developing AAWIC's online educational series showcases her commitment to empowering aspiring filmmakers. With 17 years of experience in curating custom workshops, Phoenyx's expertise shines through as she shares her knowledge with eager writers. As the founder of Red Carpet Society Media Group, she has cultivated a vast network of industry professionals, including actors, producers, and writers. Beyond her roles as a screenwriter and film business plan developer, Phoenyx is renowned for her contributions to Antwoine Alford's 'Toxic Behavior' movie, demonstrating her prowess in crafting compelling narratives. With a portfolio of work accessible on IMDb, Phoenyx's workshop promises to be an invaluable learning experience for aspiring storytellers.
Workshop Fee: $10.00
To purchase click the link below.
The screenwriters workshop will be available beginning on May 16th at 12:01 am through May 17th midnight.
Producing for Film & Television 101 - Guest Instructor: Tracey Baker Simmons
Tracey Tracey Baker-Simmons is a 25+ year Entertainment industry veteran and seasoned television producer and one of the pioneers of reality television.
She began her career in the music industry, then transitioned into music video and commercials. Her first feature project was an independent film titled The Book of Love featuring Salli Richardson, Robyn Givens and Treach. She then moved into the non-scripted space creating the hit series Being Bobby Brown starring the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. She later partnered with Will Packer and Rob Hardy’s, Rainforest Films, as an Executive Producer and Showrunner for the MTV collegiate competition series, Sprite Step Off. Over the past several years, her main focus has been the development of content and serving as an Executive Producer in non-scripted and made for TV movies. She has served as Executive Producer for Biopics, a Christmas movie for Hallmark and documentary series such as Hip Hop Treasures, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Hip Hop for A&E, and Emmy Nominated, Telly & Anthem Award winning series The Conversations Project for Hulu and many others.
Baker-Simmons works appears on networks such as Showtime, Hulu, Bravo, OWN, Peacock, MTV, VH1, Lifetime, BET, TNT, TBS, TLC, Oxygen, WETV and many others. She also served on a special media committee, ECCO, under the Obama Administration. Tracey is an expert in the area of packaging, selling and producing. Her experience ranges from challenging celebrity talent to intuitive college students and all other personality types in between.
Workshop Fee: $25.00
To purchase click the link below.
The Producing for Film & Television workshop will be available beginning on May 16th at 12:01 am through May 17th midnight.
Nzingha, "Talk Back on Inclusion, What does that mean?"
Renowned for her transformative artistry and iconic flair, Nzingha is an Emmy-nominated celebrity makeup artist whose work has redefined beauty standards across decades of film, fashion, and television. Her bold and unforgettable looks have graced music legends such as Diana Ross, Prince, Beyoncé, Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, and Lenny Kravitz, and have been featured in major campaigns for M.A.C Cosmetics, Candie’s Shoes, and Abercrombie & Fitch. In film and television, her credits include iconic productions like American Gangster, I Am Legend, Spiderman 3, as well as recent, critically acclaimed projects such as POWER (produced by 50 Cent), When They See Us (Ava DuVernay), and American Son (Kerry Washington), which earned her Emmy nominations and are all currently streaming on Netflix. A true pioneer and recipient of AAWIC’s prestigious Pioneer Award, Nzingha uses her platform to champion representation, celebrate Black beauty, and advocate for equity throughout the entertainment industry. Her insight and legacy make this DEI conversation an essential experience for all creatives and changemakers.
"Talk Back on Inclusion, What does that mean?"
Fee: $25.00
To purchase click the link below.
"Talk Back on Inclusion, What does that mean?" will be available beginning on May 16th at 12:01 am through May 17th midnight.
25th NEXT GENERATION FILMMAKERS
The next generation of filmmakers represents a vibrant tapestry of creativity, innovation, and diversity. With boundless imagination and access to cutting-edge technology, these emerging talents are reshaping the landscape of cinema. From bold narratives that challenge the status quo to groundbreaking techniques that push the boundaries of storytelling, the next generation is unapologetically carving out their place in the industry. With a keen eye for authenticity and a commitment to inclusivity, these filmmakers are amplifying voices that have long been marginalized, sparking important conversations and driving social change. As they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, the next generation is poised to leave an indelible mark on cinema, ushering in a new era of storytelling that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.
Next Generation of Filmmakers screening will be available beginning on May 16th at 12:01 am through 17th midnight.
This film screening is available complimentary to all festival attendees.
25th AAWIC FF SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO 6888 BATTALION
About African American Women in Cinema
The African American Women In Cinema (AAWIC) organization is honored to pay tribute to the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during the 25th Annual AAWIC Film Festival. Known as the "Six Triple Eight," this all-Black, all-female battalion made history as the only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. Their courageous service and commitment ensured the timely delivery of millions of pieces of mail to U.S. troops, boosting morale on the front lines. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, the women of the 6888th exemplified excellence, discipline, and perseverance. AAWIC proudly honors their legacy, shedding light on a vital chapter in American history that continues to inspire generations.
Photo Credit: womenofthe699th.org
25TH AAWIC FF PIONEER HONOREE
Donna Biscoe
Donna Biscoe, the 2025 AAWIC Film Festival Pioneer Honoree and star of the highly acclaimed film 6888, is a celebrated actress whose dynamic career spans theater, television, and film. She began her artistic journey on stage with powerful performances in productions such as Doubt at the Alliance Theatre, Holiday Heart at the Arena Stage, Crumbs From the Table of Joy at the Detroit Rep, and Heliotrope Bouquet Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons. She also toured nationally in For Colored Girls, establishing herself as a commanding theatrical presence. Seamlessly transitioning into television and film, Donna earned acclaim for her versatility and emotional depth in roles such as the award-winning series In the Heat of the Night and the CBS miniseries Momma Flora’s Family. Her film credits include standout performances in Hidden Figures, Night School, and Girls Trip, where she shared the screen with Hollywood icons. On television, she is best known for her series regular role on Saints and Sinners, with additional appearances in acclaimed shows like Ozark, Kindred, Ambitions, All Rise, Sweet Magnolias, Outer Banks, Woke, All The Queen’s Men, and Tales. Embracing the horror genre, she discovered a new passion while starring in The Visitor with Blumhouse Films. Donna continues to captivate audiences with current and upcoming projects including Freedom Hair, The Supremes At Earl’s All You Can Eat, Tempted By Love, and Lifetime’s A Very Merry Beauty Salon.
25th AAWIC FF LUMINARY HONOREE
Marcel Reid, the 25th AAWIC Film Festival Luminary Honoree, is a trailblazing advocate for truth, justice, and systemic change. As a whistleblower liaison, former Chair of ACORN, and co-founder of the Whistleblower Summit and Film Festival, Marcel has made a profound impact on grassroots organizing, media advocacy, and whistleblower protections. Her leadership during a pivotal restructuring of ACORN brought her face to face with entrenched corruption and marked the beginning of her journey in championing the voices of whistleblowers. As a board member of Pacifica Radio, she led efforts to enshrine whistleblower support into the media platform’s mission—an unprecedented move that helped revive momentum for the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012. Marcel went on to become the first national media whistleblower liaison, a role she continues to define. Through the Whistleblower Summit on Capitol Hill, she honors First Amendment defenders with the Pillar Award, recognizing figures such as Senator Chuck Grassley, Representative Elijah Cummings, and CBC Chair Marcia Fudge. Marcel Reid’s fearless pursuit of truth continues to empower truth-tellers and challenge systems of power worldwide.