The 2013 BronzeLens Film Festival’s “Women Superstars Luncheon” will roll out the red carpet for industry insiders, celebrities and aspiring filmmakers to honor some of the most accomplished women of color working in the film and television industry.
The coveted signature event during the five-day festival takes place Nov. 8, at noon at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Hosted by former television news anchor, Monica Pearson, the 2013 BronzeLens superstars are: Anna Maria Horsford (“Friday”); actress and wife of Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson ( “The Fighting Temtations”); actress, Mahira Kakkar (“Hank and Asha”); retired Coca Cola executive Ingrid Saunders Jones; producer, Issa Rae (“Awkward Black Girl”); producer and wife of Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee (“The Watsons Go to Birmingham”); producer, Valerie Benning Barney (“All Star Comedy Jam,” “Eddie Griffin: Freedom of Speech”); and costumers Mabel and Shilla Benning.
“We are excited about our powerful honorees this year. These women superstars demonstrate the diverse areas where women excel in the entertainment business,” said Kathleen Bertrand, executive producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. “Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, these women continue to play an integral role with films that impact our lives.”
Designed to empower, entertain and educate attendees from various film industry disciplines, students and the general public, the BronzeLens Film Festival offers an array of expert panels, workshops, domestic and international film screenings and signature events.
In addition to a Monologue Slam featuring renown director John Singleton, festival highlights include an encore presentation of legendary casting director and producer Reuben Cannon’s, “The Producers Roundtable” a groundbreaking session that brings together high-level entertainment executives to share their strategies for producing successful film and television projects. Participating producers include Jeff Clanagan, David Talbert, Lyn Talbert and Paul Hall.
The BronzeLens Film Festival runs through Nov.10. For more information and festival registration www.bronzelensfilmfestival.com.
Founded in 2009, The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color, and to showcasing films and providing networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. Since its inception the BronzeLens Film Festival has evolved as one of the most comprehensive film festivals for filmmakers of color in the United States.
Sponsors of the BronzeLens Film Festival are Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Coca-Cola Company Turner, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Delta Air Lines, HBO Documentary Films, BET Networks, Georgia Pacific, The Woodruff Arts Center, AT& T, Macys, Institut Française , The Sai Sai Group, Inc., Southern Company, MHR International, Movie Magic, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Atlanta Technical College: The Cleveland Dennard Center.