September 18-20, 2026 | New York City
WEEKEND
BLACK FILM SPACE
Schedule & Panels
FRIDAY
September 18, 2026
3pm-10pm
Community and Industry Screening, Opening Night Party
SATURDAY
September 19, 2026
11am-8pm
Full Day BFS Conference
& pitch competition
SUNDAY
September 20, 2026
1pm-5pm
BFS Awards
Where
Craft Meets Community
There are film festivals.
There are networking events.
Then there’s BFS WEEKEND.
BFS Weekend 2026 is our 4th annual large-scale conference dedicated to helping Black filmmakers grow their craft, expand their networks, and explore bold new approaches to storytelling. This is a hands-on, skill-building experience designed for Black filmmakers at all levels.
Experience immersive workshops, panels led by industry experts, and community-driven discussions focused on the art and craft of storytelling. While many events offer exposure, ours is dedicated to providing opportunities for deep creative development outside of expensive academic programs.
Our 2026 theme IS FOCUSED ON CAREER SUSTAINABILITY. Our 2026 theme will center tools, strategies, and relationships to help Black creatives to sustain thriving careers in today’s industry climate. Attendees will walk away feeling empowered, innovative and ready to conquer the ever-changing world of film, television and content.
Tickets
Friday, September 18th
Regular - $50 (Ends Sep 3)
Late - $55
Saturday, September 19th
Regular - $80 (Ends Sep 3)
Late - $100
Sunday, September 20th
Regular - $125 (Ends Sep 3)
Late - $135
All ticket tiers include a Buy 4, Get 1 Free discount.
the pitch competition
The Black Film Space Logline & Pitch Competition is back—and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
In Partnership with The Gotham, we’re giving one storyteller the chance to pitch live in New York City during BFS Weekend, win a $2,500 cash prize, and gain exclusive access to industry opportunities designed to move their career forward.
Prizes for the winning film maker
• $2,500
• A Gotham Pro Membership
• A one-on-one consultation with a Gotham team member to discuss their project’s future
HOW TO enTER
•Note: Submissions have been closed, thank you to all who submitted!
• Finalists will be notified by September 1st.
2025 winner
Sekiya Dorsett won the 2025 competition with a sharp delivery and a powerful concept.
This year, it could be you.
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No. It's open for all lengths, formats and genres of scripted/narrative films.
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Unfortunately, no. It's open for scripted projects.
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Your name, e-mail address, logline, basic details about the project and quality photo of yourself (for promotional purposes)
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We are open to all experience levels. We are choosing the finalists based on the most clear, concise, unique, well written loglines.
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You are required to use the prize money on the project you are pitching.
You will be provided specific instruction on how to report the use of the funds.
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Yes, only two team members from each project can pitch at a time.
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To get a feel for how a logline should read, start with a basic structure.
When [INCITING INCIDENT OCCURS]...
A [CHARACTER TYPE]...
Must [OBJECTIVE]...
Before [STAKES]
Keep your logline between 25 to 50 words or one to two sentences.
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Unfortunately, no. You can only submit one logline per filmmaker.
Judges
Kia Brooks
Managing Director of The Gotham Film and Media Institute
Sharese Bullock-Bailey
Chief Program Officer at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Emmy-nominated Producer and film industry strategic consultant.
Shrihari Sathe
New York-based director and producer, Assistant Professor and the Head of Producing in NYU's Graduate Film Department . Sathe is a member of Producers United, PGA, IMPPA and AMPAS.
BFS Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 18
3:00 PM
Community Screening
Black Film Space Weekend kicks off with a full day of film, community, and celebration in partnership with BRIC Arts Media! We’ll open with a community screening featuring 10 dynamic short films at 3pm.
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
8:00 PM
oPENING niGHT pARTY
The screenings will be followed by our Opening Night Party, sponsored by Martingale Cognac—bringing filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and film lovers together to connect, celebrate, and toast to the start of an unforgettable weekend.
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
6:00 PM
Industry Screening
Following the community screening, we will share an industry screening of an exciting upcoming release at 6pm.
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
Saturday, September 19
STAGE A
The Sheen Center, Loretto Theater
18 Bleecker Street New York, NY
11:00 AM
Producing and Directing Effective Branded Content
In a world where audiences are flooded with content at every scroll, how do you create branded work that actually breaks through? This session explores the art and strategy of producing and directing branded content in an increasingly saturated media landscape. Three industry professionals from Complex will unpack how to develop concepts that feel fresh, capture attention quickly, satisfy client goals without sacrificing creativity, and build authentic connections with audiences. Learn how to cut through the noise, create work that resonates, and turn standout branded storytelling into a sustainable part of your creative career.
12:15 PM
Film and Television Producing in 2026 and Beyond
The film and television industry is evolving faster than ever, and producers are being challenged to rethink how projects are developed, financed, packaged, and brought to audiences. In this candid conversation, with showrunner and producer Alliah Sophia Mourad, she will discuss the realities of creating content in today's marketplace. Attendees will gain practical insights into building sustainable careers, identifying opportunities in a changing industry, and producing projects that are both creatively fulfilling and commercially viable. Whether you're producing your first short film or your next feature or series, this session will provide the tools and perspective needed to thrive in the current entertainment landscape.
1:30 PM
Nobody builds a career in Hollywood alone. Inspired by the legacy of John Singleton and his commitment to opening doors for the next generation, this session explores how emerging filmmakers can seek out mentorship, build meaningful industry relationships, and turn guidance into real career momentum. Through candid conversation and firsthand insights, we’ll unpack what makes a great mentor-mentee relationship, how to show up ready for opportunity, and—most importantly—how to pay it forward as you rise.
Learning from John Singleton: Utilizing Mentorship as a Tool for Emerging Filmmakers
2:45 PM
Navigating Submissions for Festivals, Funding and Labs
The applications are endless, the competition is fierce, and the rejection emails can take a toll—but don’t count yourself out. This session gets candid about navigating festivals, grants, labs, and fellowships at a time when filmmaker morale is low and opportunities feel harder to secure. Industry insiders will break down what makes a submission stand out, common mistakes that can weaken a strong project, and how to strategically position your work without burning yourself out. Learn how to sharpen your materials, build a smarter submission strategy, handle the inevitable “no’s,” and keep showing up until the right yes finds you.
↘ Moderator: Danielle Bennett
4:00 PM
BFS Weekend Pitch Contest
In Partnership with The Gotham, we’re giving one storyteller the chance to pitch live in New York City during BFS Weekend, win a $2,500 cash prize, and gain exclusive access to industry opportunities designed to move their career forward.
↘ Moderator: Danielle Bennett
↘ Judge: Sharese Bullock-Bailey
↘ Judge: Kia Brooks
↘ Judge: Shrihari Sathe
STAGE B
Studio A + studio B
18 Bleecker Street New York, NY
12:15 PM
Social Impact Through Filmmaking
Join Ethiopian-American Filmmaker Herrana Addisu as she leads a session that explores how filmmakers can intentionally integrate impact into every stage of the creative process, from development and financing to partnerships, audience engagement, and distribution. She will share her journey of working across the nonprofit, advocacy, and film worlds, building campaigns and collaborations that extend the life of a film beyond the screen. Herrana will also include an interactive as a workshop so filmmakers can map out tactics for impact on their personal projects.
1:30 PM
AI is rapidly reshaping how filmmakers move from script to screen—but where can it actually make the process better? This session explores practical AI workflows for screenplay development, pre-production, and production planning, from organizing ideas and refining creative materials to streamlining breakdowns, schedules, visual references, and other time-consuming tasks. Discover how filmmakers can work smarter, move faster, and stretch limited resources—without losing the human voice and creative instincts that make their stories unique.
AI Workflows for Screenplay Development & Production Pipelining
2:45 PM
Actors Rep Toolkit
Getting representation is only the beginning—knowing how to maximize those relationships is the real game changer. This session gives actors practical strategies for working effectively with agents, managers, and casting directors to build momentum and create more opportunities. Learn how to communicate with your team, advocate for yourself, stay on casting professionals’ radar, and become an active partner in moving your career forward.
↘ Moderator: ChiChi Anyanwu
↘ Ronald "Wink" Woodall
4:00 PM
Filmmakers Rep Toolkit
Representation shouldn’t just help you land your next opportunity—it should help you build a career that lasts. This session explores how filmmakers and screenwriters can work strategically with agents, managers, and other industry advocates to navigate an unpredictable marketplace, position projects effectively, and create momentum beyond a single sale or job. Learn how to cultivate a strong creative identity, leverage your team and relationships, and make career choices that keep you working, evolving, and in the game for the long haul.
Sunday, September 20
The BFS Awards
Black Film Space will honor filmmakers, creatives and industry leaders who are redefining what sustainable success looks like. Join us as we honor the visionaries proving that longevity, impact and community matter just as much as the spotlight to close out Black Film Space Weekend 2026. Check out more details on previous years.
Unable to attend? Make a donation directly here.
Honoreees
Day 1 Award
Okema T. Moore
Director / Producer
Winner 2025 ABFF Director's Showcase
EMMY Nominated, PGA Producer
2025 Black Magic Collective Episodic Directing Fellow
Advocate Award
Nikki Love
SVP Development & Production ALLBLK
The Oscars (BTS Segment)
G.R.I.T.S
Wild Rose
Visionary Award
Lisa Cortes
Filmmaker
Little Richard: I Am Everything
The Space Race
Murder has Two Faces
Powerhouse Award
Susan Fales-Hill
Producer, Writer, and Actress
A Different World
And Just Like That
Linc's
More Honorees to be announced soon
〰️
More Honorees to be announced soon 〰️
SPONSORED BY
Get Involved
Speaker Details
Alliah Sophia Mourad
Carolyn Pride
Casey Baron
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Casey is a Programmer focusing on US Narratives, Indie Episodics, and Games at Tribeca Festival. With a decades' worth of experience in the industry, further efforts supporting the filmmaking community includes stints as a Jury member for film competitions across the World.
He has been an advisory board member on various funds and grants including currently the NYU Game Center Incubator.
Born and raised in Dominica in the West Indies, Casey now resides in New York City, NY..
ChiChi Anyanwu
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ChiChi Anyanwu founded CHI Talent Management in 2020, after an extensive work history spanning more than 15 years in talent representation, casting and producing in New York. Her experiences in casting made her discover that her true passion was nurturing and developing aspiring talent. Her clients have been seen on Broadway/National Tours: MJ The Musical, Hadestown, The Outsiders, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical, Wicked, Sister Act and Jesus Christ Superstar. Films: Insidious: The Red Door, Vacation Friends 2, Mean Girls, Standing Up, Falling Down, Boogie, Vampires vs. the Bronx, Master, Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story, Too Many Christmases, Queens of Christmas. Television: Daredevil: Born Again, The Equalizer, Blue Bloods, Everything's Trash, Bad Monkey, We Own the City, Alma's Way, And Just Like That, Full Circle, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Godfather of Harlem, Dying for Sex, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Evil, Snowfall, FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, Only Murders in the Building to name a few. ChiChi teaches at Stonestreet Studios, The New School of Drama, Actors Studio Drama School and serves as a diversity audience consultant for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. She is the founder of Black Creatives Connect. Awards/Honors: 2020 grant recipient of the American Express IFundWomen of color 100 for 100 program. Diverse Representation "The Ten to Watch in 2021" list.
Danielle Bennet
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Danielle is the founder of cliveRd. an agile startup studio focused on advising and investing in deeptech ideas/companies in technology and the arts. She is a Stern School of Business graduate, VFA alum and early stage technology investor and LP. She has previously worked at BlackRock, Viacom, Emerge Venture Lab, charity: water & Endeavor + in mainly product and growth roles. On the side, she has become an advisor to organizations that align with her values and identities.
Destiny Lilly
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Destiny Lilly, CSA is a four-time Emmy nominee for her casting work on ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Her film credits include the Oscar-nominated musical feature film THE COLOR PURPLE. Broadway: A STRANGE LOOP, PURLIE VICTORIOUS, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, CLYDE'S, EVERY BRILLIANT THING (replacements) Broadway replacements & National tour: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Off-Broadway: MCC Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, The Shed, New York Theater Workshop, Colt Coeur, WP Theater, Classic Stage Company, Ars Nova, The New Group, PAC NYC, Second Stage, Lincoln Center Theater, The Vineyard, National Black Theatre, City Center: Encores!. Regional: New York Stage & Film, Berkeley Rep, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Center, Westport Country Playhouse, the MUNY, McCarter Theatre, Center Theatre Group, American Conservatory Theater. Destiny received the 2026 Trailblazer Award from Black Women on Broadway, and she currently serves as the President of Casting Society (CSA).
Erica A Hart
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Erica A. Hart is an Artios Award–winning casting director whose work spans film, television, theatre, commercials, and live performance. A Washington, DC native and NYU Tisch Film/TV alum, she began her career at ABC Primetime Casting before transitioning to independent casting, with credits including Black Mirror, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Survival of the Thickest, Death of a Salesman, Jaja's African Hairbraiding, Chicken & Biscuits, Fucktoys, and We Strangers, to name a few. She has also cast music videos, commercials, and projects for acclaimed visual artists, including Amy Sherald. Named a 2025 Woman to Watch on Broadway, Erica is a Board Member of the Casting Society, a member of the Television Academy, Teamsters Local 817, and Black Theatre United's Collective, and she teaches at Yale University, NYU, and institutions across the country.
Erica Jensen
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Erica Jensen is a casting director at and co-owner of Calleri Jensen Davis. Her 20-year plus career with partners James Calleri and Paul Davis spans film, television, regional, off Broadway and Broadway theater. Casting credits include: Broadway Purpose (Tony Winner, and Artios Nominee); Topdog/Underdog (Tony Winner and Artios Nominee); For Colored Girls..., Thoughts of A Colored Man, and The Piano Lesson (w/Samuel L. Jackson) Past B'way credits: Fool For Love, Hughie, A Raisin In The Sun, Of Mice and Men, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. TV credits include Queens, Love Life, Dickinson, Lipstick Jungle, and The Path. Downtown and Regional Theater: Yale Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Actors Theater of Louisville, Classic Stage Company, Rattlestick Theater, City Theater, McCarter Theatre, People's Light and Theatre, Hartford Stage, LaJolla Playhouse, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and The Flea Theater.
Erica is also a playwright. Her play Black Friends was selected for Fault Line Theatre's Irons In the Fire in 2025. She is a marathon runner, co-owner of She-Collective, and on the board of The Make Good Project. And she is a proud mom of a teenager.
Francesca Francois
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Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Strong professional skills in the representation of creative artists in film and television. An inner city kid from south London, England, Francesca carried her Caribbean heritage with her to the US. She joined prominent representation company Fifi Oscard Agency where she was franchised as an Agent within a year of joining. Later, she moved to International Creative Management (ICM), where she went through the famed agent training program and spent several years in the Motion Pictures department. Francesca joined Reuters, which later became Thomson Reuters. She spent several years in sales and editorial departments. Francesca is a founding partner of Crystal Ship Artists Talent and Literary Agency, and is the co-founding member of the Crystal Ship Filmmakers (a free, vetted program created for filmmakers, television and digital content creators). She continues to support diversity at all levels in the entertainment industry, especially at the highly coveted showrunner levels. She is a Dance Theatre of Harlem alum, a member of African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) and the New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT).
Herrana Addisu
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Herrana Addisu is an award-winning Ethiopian American filmmaker, social impact strategist, and founder of Chucha Studios, a creative production company that develops films and campaigns at the intersection of cinema, culture, and social change.Raised in Ethiopia and the United States, Herrana's work explores memory, migration, identity, and belonging through poetic, visually driven storytelling. Her films center communities that have historically been overlooked, using cinema to spark dialogue, shift narratives, and inspire collective action.Before transitioning into filmmaking, Herrana spent nearly a decade working across the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, and leading human rights organizations, advancing campaigns to address child trafficking, forced labor, forced marriage, and gender inequality. This background continues to shape her approach to storytelling, grounding each project in authenticity, dignity, and community collaboration.Her directorial debut, The River, has screened internationally and received multiple awards, establishing her as a distinctive new voice in contemporary cinema. She recently directed In the Same Light, a film created with Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP) highlighting the experiences of Temporary Protected Status holders, and is currently completing PROOF, an experimental short set in Jamestown, Accra, that serves as the proof of concept for her debut feature film, The Fifth Child.Herrana was named a Dazed 100 Honoree, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Teen Vogue, The Cut, and i-D. Through both her films and strategic campaigns, she continues to build projects that bridge art, advocacy, and community, demonstrating the power of storytelling to create meaningful cultural and social impact.
Jackie Dixon
Kia Brooks
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Kia Brooks is the Managing Director of The Gotham Film and Media Institute. Kia's experience in strategic communications (including PR and Marketing) and events spans almost 20 years. She enjoys supporting and advising creators and entrepreneurs in taking the next steps in their projects and careers. At The Gotham, she oversees the organization's programming, communications and supports the organization's development and strategic planning efforts.Kia is the founder of The Gotham's Owning It program that supports women and non-binary media makers and entrepreneurs who break boundaries in the media and entertainment industry. She also developed the Expanding Communities program, which provides resources, a community space, and industry access to film and media creators across film, TV, and audio industries. The program works with over 30 non-profit partners in the film and media space who share the common goal to advance creators' projects and careers. Before working at the Gotham, Kia worked in film publicity for companies such as Focus Features, Oscilloscope Laboratories and Tribeca Film Festival. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communication from American University and has a Certificate in Fundraising from New York University.
Kwasi Boadi
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Kwasi Boadi has a decade of experience bringing ideas to life across advertising, media, music, and entertainment. He is a creative director, writer, producer, talent booker and digital strategist.
Lisa Cortés
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Lisa Cortés is a two-time Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated director and producer known for creating bold, transformative stories. Two films executive-produced by Cortés have won Academy Awards®, most recently All The Empty Rooms, which won Best Documentary Short Film in 2026. A champion of the underrepresented and an instigator of cultural change, Cortés is renowned for discovering unique voices and stories, guiding projects through development and production, and bringing them successfully to market.In 2025, Hulu’s monthly Top Ten Most Watched Series featured Murder Has Two Faces, produced and directed by Cortés. Hosted by Robin Roberts, the series explores the impact of race on how true crime stories are investigated by police and covered by the media. In 2026, the series was recognized as Best Documentary at the National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Awards.Her 2023 film Little Richard: I Am Everything (CNN Films) premiered as the opening-night selection of the U.S. Documentary Competition at Sundance. The film earned 26 award nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best Music Film, and was acclaimed for its unfiltered portrayal of the rock ’n’ roll legend. Also premiering at Sundance was Invisible Beauty (Magnolia Pictures), a documentary about fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison that Cortés produced and which won the NAACP Award for Outstanding Documentary Film.Cortés’s acclaimed documentaries also include The Space Race (National Geographic Documentary Films), an exploration of African American astronauts at NASA and in space that won the prestigious duPont-Columbia Award; All In: The Fight for Democracy (Amazon), which traces the ongoing struggle for voting rights; and the Emmy-winning The Apollo (HBO), chronicling the historic theater’s role in African American culture.Cortés first gained global recognition in 2009 as executive producer of Precious, which received six Academy Award® nominations and won two, as well as the Sundance Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize for Best Drama.Through her New York-based multimedia production company, Cortés Filmworks, she produces scripted and unscripted projects. A graduate of Yale University, Cortés is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America. She serves on the boards of Film at Lincoln Center, Independent Television Service (ITVS), and Women Make Movies. In 2025, she received the prestigious Muse Award from New York Women in Film & Television and the DGA She Persisted Award.
Markice Moore
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Markice Moore is an actor, author, producer, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and creative executive whose career reflects a strong commitment to original storytelling, independent filmmaking, and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices. With more than fifteen years of experience across entertainment, sales, business development, and production, Moore brings both artistic vision and practical business knowledge to every project he develops.
As an actor, Moore has appeared in film and television projects that showcase his ability to deliver grounded, emotionally honest, and memorable performances. His credits include Get Close, Get Close 2, Crazy N Luv, and Danksgiving, along with additional work across independent productions and television. His experience in front of the camera has shaped his approach behind it, giving him a clear understanding of character, dialogue, pacing, performance, and the needs of actors on set.
Moore is also the founder of Both Sides of the Camera Studios, a production company focused on developing original films, television concepts, digital series, branded entertainment, and independent projects for modern audiences. His creative slate includes crime thrillers, horror, science fiction, family drama, comedy, faith-based stories, and socially conscious entertainment. His work is known for bold concepts, complex characters, dramatic twists, and stories rooted in authentic Black experiences.
He is also a co-founder of Writerz Block LLC, an organization created to support writers, filmmakers, and storytellers who have faced personal, professional, or systemic barriers. Through this work, Moore seeks to help emerging creatives develop their voices, protect their intellectual property, and build sustainable careers in entertainment.
As an author, Moore has written books including SHADOWS and FED. His literary work explores themes of ambition, survival, identity, loyalty, redemption, power, and the difficult choices people make under pressure. His storytelling style blends realism, suspense, humor, emotional depth, and heightened drama.
Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His background in business strategy, sales, customer relations, and entrepreneurship allows him to approach filmmaking from both a creative and commercial perspective. He understands that successful projects must not only entertain, but also be produced, marketed, distributed, and monetized effectively.
Markice Moore continues to expand his work across film, television, publishing, music, digital media, education, and branded content. His mission is to build a creator-driven entertainment company that develops original intellectual property, produces culturally relevant stories, and creates lasting opportunities for actors, writers, filmmakers, and underserved communities.
Nia Fraser
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Nia Fraser is a Talent Coordinator at DGRW, a leading New York talent agency representing actors across theater, television, and film. She works alongside agents, casting professionals, and creatives to help guide artists through every stage of their careers. Passionate about discovering and championing emerging talent, Nia is dedicated to helping artists build sustainable, meaningful careers in the entertainment industry.
Nikki Love
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Nikki Love is Senior Vice President of Development and Production for ALLBLK, a premier streaming service for Black television and film. In this role, she serves as the primary liaison between ALLBLK and content partners across all phases of scripted development, production, and post-production, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, premium programming. She also acts as the on-set executive for all scripted original series.
ALLBLK’s expanding slate of scripted originals under Love’s leadership includes the highly successful series G.R.I.T.S., Double Cross, and A La Carte, as well as the Daytime Emmy-nominated series A House Divided. Most recently, the network’s hit series Wicked City received a GLAAD Award nomination.
Beyond her programming responsibilities, Love is the co-chair of VIBE, an AMC Networks Employee Resource Group, and the founding member of the DEI Future of Film Committee. The committee was recognized by Cablefax in 2025 as a leading employee-led initiative. Through the Future of Film initiative, Love has helped establish partnerships with film festivals nationwide, providing sponsorship opportunities, mentorship programs, pitch panel participation, and facilitating the acquisition of curated short-film collections for AMC+ heritage month programming.
Love’s work as a production executive has been widely recognized. Her honors include the 2021 NAMIC Luminary Award, the 2022 Top Women in Film & Television Award (Production Pacesetter), the 2022 Wonder Women Award, and the 2025 Cynopsis MVP Award. She remains a dedicated advocate for underserved filmmakers and storytellers across film and television.
Okema T. Moore
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Okema T. Moore is a PGA producer, award-winning director, actress, and writer committed to bold, emotionally resonant storytelling across platforms. A Brooklyn native and proud Caribbean multi-hyphenate, she began her career in front of the camera before evolving into a dynamic creative force across branded, narrative, and unscripted work. Her films have screened at Tribeca, Outfest, and Reel Sisters, reflecting a voice that is both culturally grounded and visually distinct.
In 2024 and 2025, Okema wrote and produced the EBONY Power 100 Awards and served as lead producer on the Oscar-qualified, NAACP Image Award–nominated short Chocolate with Sprinkles. She also directed Ally Bank’s Money Roots campaign and earned her first directing award at the American Black Film Festival for her short Laundry, which she also produced. She continued her momentum by directing and producing multiple short films, a pilot, and starring in a vertical series.
Her unscripted work includes projects with Netflix, OWN, BET, Marvel/Disney, and STARZ, where she developed and produced the Humanitas-nominated Down in the Valley. A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and a 2025 GLAAD Black Queer Creative Fellow, Okema serves on the board of New York Women in Film & Television and remains committed to advancing equity and access across the industry.
Portia Black
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Portia Black is a New York City-based Casting Professional working in film and television, with credits including And Just Like That (Season 3), The Black Phone, East New York, The Chair Company (Season 1), One Night Only, and Love Life (Season 2). An alumna of the VCUarts Cinema Program and the Casting Society Cares Training & Education Program, Portia currently serves as New York Administrative Coordinator for the Casting Society (CSA). She is a proud member of Teamsters Local 817.
Raven Irabor
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Raven Irabor is a Director, Creative Director, and Artist whose work captures the beauty, depth, and nuance of culture. Born in the Bronx to Trinidadian and Nigerian parents, she weaves narratives that unite diasporic identities through shared cultural expressions—from the elegance of adornment to the influence of folklore. With a distinctively feminine and stylized approach, her work spans the commercial, fashion, art, beauty, lifestyle, and culture industries, characterized by portraiture, collage, and magical realism. She has directed and curated for brands including Meta, Walmart, InStyle Magazine, Roc Nation, and Paramount Studios, with work featured by Vogue UK, Hypebae, and ARTSY Magazine. Her exhibitions, such as Last Night I Cried… Unveiling Liminal Spaces and Black in Every Color, alongside screenings at festivals like the Los Angeles Fashion Film Festival and Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, reflect a growing presence within the creative community. She has also received support from the Bronx Council on the Arts, Adolescent Content, and Black Film Space.
As the founder of RAE Studios, Raven champions culturally authentic storytelling. With over a decade of experience in media and advertising, she brings a collaborative, strategy-minded approach to projects, bridging creative vision with production expertise across brand, editorial, and artistic contexts.
Ronald "Wink" Woodall
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Ronald "Wink" Woodall is a Talent Manager and member of the Talent Managers Association (TMA), recognized for developing actors and creatives across television and film. His clients have appeared on major platforms including, but not limited to, NBC, ABC, Netflix, and Apple TV+, with credits spanning hit productions such as Law & Order, All American, The Best Man: Final Chapters, and Why Did I Get Married Again?, to name a few.
As a former child actor, Wink transitioned into athletics, playing high school and collegiate football before earning a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling. Since 2001, he has guided students and families while building the careers of Creatives in the television and film industry.
For the past decade, Wink has built a unique career at the intersection of education and entertainment. He is the Founder and CEO of The Talent Connect (est. 2015), a talent management company committed to guiding Creatives through the complexities of the industry. Drawing on his background as a school counselor, he has become known for helping talent navigate both the personal and professional challenges of the business—a role that has led some to refer to him as the "Industry Guidance Counselor." The company is known for empowering talent with tools rooted in self-motivation and mindset development.
Wink is the author of The Pocket Book of Quotes: An Actor's Guide to Motivation and an award-winning film producer focused on social impact storytelling. Since 2023, he has been developing and producing projects that address real-world issues through compelling narratives. In 2025, he co-founded The Production Wellness House, an organization dedicated to normalizing mental wellness within the entertainment industry.
Saba Kinfe
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Saba Kinfe is a film and television development executive and producer based in Los Angeles. Currently, she is the Director of Film & TV Development at SunHaus, Arthur Jafa’s production company. She's worked on the television teams at A24 and Broadway Video, contributing to projects including Beef, Ziwe, and Bust Down.
Sean Charles
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Sean Charles is a Scripted/Unscripted Development & Production Manager at ALLBLK and WE tv an AMC Global Media property as well as an Award-Winning Producer. He is not only responsible for producing and developing original content for the streaming service and linear broadcaster but also assisting in acquisitions and scheduling. Having worked on unscripted series such as Deb’s House that aired across, WE tv, ALLBLK and Peacock to scripted projects like Wicked City selected as a 2025 GLAAD Media Award nominee for Outstanding Drama Series. Sean has had a range of experience in executing and delivering content for various audiences. He is also a 2024 Cynopsis Rising Star recipient. Formed and led the inaugural Black employee resource group, Vested Interest in Black Employees (V.I.B.E) from 2018 through 2021, as Co-Chair at AMC. He also independently produced feature 93 ’Til that world premiered at the 2026 American Black Film Festival, selected at Essence Film Festival and Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, and selected as Best Feature Film at the People’s Film Festival just to name a few. He also received his B.A in Media Communications from Queens College, CUNY and holds an M.B.A from Mercy College.
Sharese Bullock-Bailey
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Sharese Bullock-Bailey is the Chief Program Officer at Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN). She is an Emmy-nominated producer, strategic consultant and leader in social impact storytelling. Recently, Sharese served as the Festival Director/Chief Innovation Officer at Urbanworld Foundation, Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer at GFS and Director of Education Programs at Tribeca Film Institute. Sharese has funded, distributed, and curated independent media globally for over 20 years, leading creative service and education programs in over 20 countries. She serves as Board Vice Chair at Independent Television Service (ITVS) and a Board Member for CreativeTypes.
Sharon Perker-Frazier
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A native New Yorker, born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper West side and a UCLA graduate who got her start with NBC Television as a production associate for The Cosby Show, A Different World, and The Cosby Mysteries. Other production credits include Dick Wolf’s New York Under Cover, NBA Inside Sports, Showtime at The Apollo Theater and films Above the Rim, Die Hard 2. She has taught television and cinema studies in the NYC Public High Schools and curated for many film festivals.
Sheldon Candis
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Sheldon Candis is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director whose work spans film, television, documentaries, and commercial campaigns. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Candis directed the feature film LUV, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as projects for Netflix, ESPN, and major brands including Amazon, Ford, Microsoft, and Under Armour.
Shrihari Sathe
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Shrihari Sathe is a New York-based director and producer. Sathe won the 2019 Independent Spirit Award - Producers Award and the 2016 Cinereach Producer Award.
His credits as producer/co-producer include Jamie Sisley’s Stay Awake (2022), Francisca Alegria’s The Cow Who Sang a Song Into The Future (2022), Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s No Land’s Man (2021), Eliza Hittman’s It Felt Like Love (2013) and Beach Rats (2017), Partho Sen-gupta’s Sunrise (2014), Afia Nathaniel’s Dukhtar (2014), Bassam Jarbawi's Screwdriver (2018), Ritu Sarin & Tenzing Sonam's The Sweet Requiem (2018) amongst others. Sathe’s feature directorial debut – 1000 Rupee Note (2014) has received over 30 awards.
Sathe has received fellowships from Trans Atlantic Partners (2013), Cannes Producers Network (2014, 2015, 2016), Film Independent Producing Lab (2011) and Sundance Institute Creative Producing Lab (2013). Sathe has taught at various universities over the last decade. He is currently an Assistant Professor and the Head of Producing in NYU's Graduate Film Department . Sathe is a member of Producers United, PGA, IMPPA and AMPAS.
Susan Fales-Hill
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Susan Fales is a television writer, producer, and author born in Rome, Italy, and raised in New York City. Fales began her television career on The Cosby Show before joining A Different World, where she became Co-Executive Producer and Head Writer. She later worked as an Executive Producer on Can't Hurry Love and Kirk, a Consulting Producer on Suddenly Susan, and co-created the Showtime series Linc's. Her work has received multiple honors, including the Producers Guild of America's Nova Award.
In addition to television, Fales has written for publications including Vogue, Ebony, and Essence. Her memoir, Always Wear Joy, about her mother Josephine Premice, was critically acclaimed and nominated for major literary awards.
She has also held leadership roles with organizations including the Studio Museum of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre, and the Harvard Alumni Association.
Thomas Golianopoulos
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Thomas Golianopoulos is a writer and editor based in New York City. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Grantland, Vibe, The Ringer, and many other publications. He is the author of The Life of Singleton: From Boyz N the Hood to Snowfall, a biography of the writer/director John Singleton (2025, Andscape Books). Though he is a generalist, most of his work—or at least the best of it—is about the ugly and the absurd. Thomas graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and history. He lives in The Bronx with his wife and children.
Traci Luthy
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Traci Luthy is the Founder and President of Bonafide & Emerging Artists (BEA), a boutique agency in NYC representing talent across TV/film, theater, commercials, print, VO, hosting, and social media. BEA regularly books talent with top networks and platforms including NBC, HBO, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and FOX, and in theatrical productions from Broadway and Off-Broadway to regional and national tours. They also partner with leading commercial brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Delta, Google, Verizon, American Express, McDonald's, and Nike, to name a few.BEA is redefining "representation" as an equitable collaboration with diverse talent, amplifying their individuality and fueling extraordinary growth and success. With more than two decades of experience as an agent, Traci is the biggest fan of the talent she represents, driven by a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for breaking down traditional industry barriers.
Ty Gabriel Jones
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Ty-Gabriel Jones (they/them) is the Talent Manager and Owner of Stalwart Talent Management in NYC, representing both developmental and established actors across theatre, television, film, commercial and print. Before founding Stalwart, Ty was the first Casting Apprentice for Casting by ARC, supporting casting for Broadway, National Tours, and regional theatre. Previously, Ty assisted TMT Models & Talent, supporting a roster for commercial and print. Ty guides and develops clients with an emphasis on authenticity, collaboration, and transparency.
PAST BFS WEEKEND CONFERENCES
Our conference is growing! Here are highlights from the three prior years.
2023
On a cold, September Weekend, Black Film Space held its inaugural three day conference to see if there is interest in our vision to convene Black Filmmakers. Despite the weather and us doing this for the first time, the event was a well-attended success. We had amazing guests such as actor William Jackson Harper, TV Director Ne and veteran Director of Photography Cliff Charles.
2024
We expanded into a bigger space, partnered with Afrofuture Festival for our party and a panel and incorporated our cliveRd. supported grant for our pitch competition, and focused on genres as our theme.
2025
The world traveled beyond the NYC area and a significant portion of our 300+ attendees flew in from all over the United States. Aside from our main stage, we included additional workshop rooms that featured AI experts, attorneys, agents, casting directors and more!
Black Film Space is committed to ensuring our events are accessible to all attendees. If you have any accessibility needs, require accommodations to fully participate,
or have general questions about the event, please contact us in advance at info@blackfilmspace.com.