Newfest Black Filmmakers Initiative

NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ film & media organization has announced the Black Filmmakers Initiative which will provide festival related cost assistance to Black LGBTQ filmmakers as well as three new cash prizes for Black LGBTQ filmmakers participating in this year’s festival. David Hatkoff NewFest Executive Director stated, “NewFest is very proud of its diverse programming, but there is no question that we as an organization & the industry at large can do more in combating systemic racism & injustice & can do a better job of representing all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community. By subsidizing festival-related costs that can prevent Black filmmakers from getting their work exhibited or from utilizing professional development opportunities & by putting cash directly into the hands of filmmakers to make or complete their projects, The Black Filmmakers Initiative is our way of taking steps toward changing the pipeline process & contributing to a more equitable ecosystem.” The new awards presented by the Black Filmmakers Initiative at NewFest include the Directorial Feature Debut Black LGBTQ Filmmaker Award awarded by NewFest to a Black LGBTQ filmmaker whose directorial feature debut is being presented at NewFest’s 32nd edition of the festival. This award comes with a $2,000 cash prize & the inaugural recipient is Olivia Peace for her film “Tahara”. NewFest is currently running through October 27th with more than 120 new films are accessible to ticket holders nationwide via NewFest’s on-demand platform throughout the festival. Individual tickets & all-access passes are all still available.

For More Info & Tix: newfest.org