Meet Black Women Film Network | Nonprofit Organization

We had the good fortune of connecting with Black Women Film Network and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Black Women Film Network, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Black Women Film Network, founded by television veteran Sheryl Gripper, is the oldest organization for the preservation and promotion of films for, by and about Black women. For the past 27 years, BWFN has served the purpose of educating this marginalized community that doesn’t often have a seat at the table in the entertainment industry. The most important factor behind the success of our brand is the women and allies who use their voices to consistently champion more opportunities for those who have the least visibility in film, television, and new media.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are several effective organizations that help marginalized communities find their seats at the proverbial table. What BWFN has excelled at is cracking the door to the room. For many people, it is incredibly hard to lobby for a seat at the table when they aren’t even in the room. One of our goals is providing the most basic information that is sometimes hard to obtain for people who don’t already know someone in the industry. We do this through our annual BWFN Summit & Film Fest, where we bring in experts and network executives to explain the pathway to pitching and selling content, booking acting roles, securing representation and so much more! The Summit will be held March 23-24, 2024 in Atlanta. More information can be found on our website: www.BlackWomenFilm.org.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a guest visiting Atlanta for a day, I’d suggest the following: — BROOKLYN TEA in Castleberry on Nelson Street for breakfast. Try the blueberry waffles & Wellkanda Tea.
— Zucot Gallery in Castleberry to take in some art and pick up a piece or two
— IPIC Theaters at Colony Square to catch a movie. It’s one of the best places to watch a movie in Atlanta.
— Lunch at Omni Coffee & Eggs on Peters Street. The sweet potato coffee and vegan Smash Burger are top tier!
— Pilates on the south side at Stretch ATL to work off some of the day’s calories
— Beya Salon Studios (West End) on White St right off the Westside Beltline for a quick mani-pedi and blowout.
— Bar & Tapas hopping on the Beltline, starting near Auburn Ave to round out the day

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This Shoutout is dedicated to Mrs. Sheryl Gripper, the visionary behind the movement of Black Women Film Network (BWFN). Over two decades ago, she saw a need to preserve the work of women of color in films and on television, giving birth to an organization that has honored those who are doing the work and educated those who desire to work in the entertainment industry. She’s a quiet storm who consistently works toward equity for all.

Website: www.blackwomenfilm.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomenfilm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBWFN/