ATLANTA — Movie producer Will Packer, who just came off a banner two-year period at the box office, and casting director legend Robi Reed, who cast many of the A-list stars to the most memorable urban films of all time, were bestowed the highest honors at The Black Women Film Summit in Atlanta.
Taking place at the ostentatious Marriott Marquis, the BWFS’s annual “Untold Stroies Luncheon” paid homage to Packer, whose movies Ride Along, Think Like a Man (as well as their respective sequels), About Last Night and No Good Deed in the last few years have made him one of the most sought after directors in Hollywood.
Robi Reed, a living legend whose casting credits and producing work include some of the most revered motion picture classics in urban cinematic history including Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, the TV variety show “In Living Color” — just for starters — was also lauded for her historic and groundbreaking contributions to television and film.
The Black Women Film Network also awarded 135th Street Agency founder Shante Bacon, Black Women Film Network Chairman Emeritus Tomika DePriest, Georgia Film & TV Sourcebook publisher Tia Powell, the Georgia Production Partnership and actors Lamman Rucker and Logan Browning from “Meet the Browns” and “Hit the Floor.”
Comedian Jonathan Slocumb hosted the affair with music provided by DJ Salah Ananse. Young filmmakers (and straight-A students!) Tawanna Easley, Dominique Boyd and Erica Lamberson were awarded scholarships to further their careers in film. Singer/actress V. Bozeman gave a surprise performance of her song “What is Love?”
Additional luncheon attendees included RHOA stars Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker; V103 personalities Ryan Cameron and Stacii Jae; Rashan Ali (CBS Sports), Brely Evans (Being Mary Jane),Charity Jordan (SELMA), singer/actress D. Woods (BLACKBIRD), former Destiny’s Child membersFarrah Franklin and Latavia Roberson, and Drea Kelly (Hollywood Exes).
Take a look at the photographic highlights from the soiree.