We Speak Entertainment
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL TO HONOR WALTER HILL AND KEENEN IVORY WAYANS FOR ITS 24TH ANNIVERSARY

Austin, TX – September 6, 2017– Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference (AFF), the premier festival that champions the writers’ contributions to film, television, and new media, announced today two distinguished awardees to be honored during its 24th Anniversary this October 26 – November 2. Legendary writer/director/producer Walter Hill will receive AFF’s Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award, and groundbreaking comedian/writer/director/producer Keenen Ivory Wayans will receive AFF’s Extraordinary Contribution to Television Award. Hill and Wayans join previously announced Distinguished Screenwriter award recipient Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester By The Sea).
For over 40 years, Walter Hill has served as a writer, director, and producer on a wide array of films, and has become known as one of the foremost action filmmakers in Hollywood. In addition to co-producing the science fiction blockbuster Alien, Hill wrote and directed notable films including 48 Hrs., The Warriors, The Driver, Southern Comfort, Last Man Standing, Geronimo, Wild Bill and The Long Riders. Hill has contributed to television as well, receiving both the Emmy and DGA Awards in 2005 for his work directing the HBO neo-western Deadwood.
In addition to accepting the Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award during this year’s AFF, Hill will participate in ‘A Conversation with Walter Hill’ moderated by Shane Black (writer/director The Nice Guys, Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), who cites Hill as an influence on his own career.
Keenen Ivory Wayans created, launched, and hosted the landmark 1990’s variety series, In Living Color. The irreverent, Emmy-winning series broke racial barriers and showcased Wayans’ scathing social humor. In Living Color also introduced the public to countless now-famous actors, musicians, and comedians including Damon Wayans, Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey, and Jennifer Lopez.
Outside of television, Wayans has had a successful career writing, directing, and acting in films. He co-wrote 1987’s Hollywood Shuffle with actor/director Robert Townsend; wrote, directed, and starred in 1989’s blaxsploitiation parody I’m Gonna Git You Sucka; and directed the horror spoof Scary Movie, which remains one of the most successful feature films directed by an African-American.
Hill, Wayans, and Lonergan join a roundup of panelists confirmed to speak at this year’s Writers Conference, including the writers of films A Ghost Story, Arrival, Blade Runner: 2049, Girls Trip, Kong: Skull Island, Kubo and the Two Strings, Logan, Moana, Star Trek Beyond and television shows American Gods, I Love Dick, Power, Queen Sugar, The Deuce, The Wire, This is Us, Twin Peaks, and Underground. The full list can be found at www.austinfilmfestival.com.
We Speak Podcast
Music Therapy & Motivation Season 2, Episode 6 – “The Resurgence of RIMIDI: Soul, Self & Service”


If you’re drawn to deeply soulful voices and stories of artistic rebirth, don’t miss this episode. Gino Black sits down with RIMIDI, a rising indie-soul vocalist whose latest work channels vulnerability and empowerment.
What You’ll Learn:
- Rediscovering Purpose: RIMIDI walks through her comeback story—how she reclaimed her artistry after stepping back, and the creative clarity that followed.
- Lyrics as Healing: Discover how she uses songwriting as a therapeutic medium, tackling identity, mental health, and community through music.
- Empowerment Through Action: From launching GEMCulture.org to uplifting others via Fund‑a‑GEM, RIMIDI merges creative expression with communal support.
- Practical Wisdom: Ideal for independent artists—RIMIDI shares how she navigates self-promotion, audience engagement, and maintaining authenticity throughout the process.
The Takeaway:
This episode transcends the norm—it’s not just motivation, it’s a movement. RIMIDI’s journey is a blueprint for anyone reclaiming their voice, creative drive, or purpose. Her blend of soulful artistry and grassroots community work reminds us that music can heal both artist and audience.
Final Word:
RIMIDI’s episode is a stirring testament to resilience, artistry, and empowerment. Gino Black masterfully guides the conversation from personal growth to community building. Listeners—whether creatives, dreamers, or supporters—will walk away fueled by hope and inspiration.
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