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 on DEI in Film"
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 on DEI on Film Fee: $25.00
To purchase click the link below.
The Talk on DEI on Film 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.