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BLACK WOMEN FILM NETWORK ANNOUNCES HONOREES FOR THE 2023 BWFN SUMMIT

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Gina Prince-Bythewood, Danielle Deadwyler, Tabitha Brown are among this year’s roster of industry leaders to be celebrated.

Register today at blackwomenfilm.org

Black Women Film Network (BWFN), celebrating 26 years of preserving the voices of Black women in film and television, is announcing its 2023 class of honorees who will be recognized during an in-person awards luncheon at the annual BWFN Summit – powered by Cvent – on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 8AM – 5PM at the Loudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. Registration is now open at blackwomenfilm.org.

This year’s honorees are:

  • Gina Prince-Bythewood (Award-Winning Director/Writer/Producer – “The Woman King,” “Love & Basketball”) – RainmakHER Award * who will be accepting the award virtually 
  • Danielle Deadwyler (Actress – “Till,” “From Scratch”) – Black Woman Rising Award
  • Tabitha Brown (Actress, Author, Social Media Personality) – InfluenceHER Award
  • Cas Sigers-Beedles (Writer, Director, Producer – “Scheme Queens,” “Unthinkably Good Things”) – StorytellHER Award
  • Tammy Williams (Owner, Cinema South Studios and CS145 LED Production Facility) – TrailblazHER Award
  • Latasha Gillespie (Executive Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for Amazon Studios, Prime Video and IMDb) – Beacon Award

The Summit’s theme is “Her Mic is On: Black Women Owning the Moment,” a tribute to the many high-profile moments of powerful speeches and words of wisdom that Black women have given to the world in recent years.  

Launched during Women’s History Month, the BWFN Summit, now in its 8th year, returns to Atlanta as an in-person experience and will feature a full day of expert speakers, panels, master classes, fireside chats, and the awards luncheon where, in addition to highlighting our honorees, we will announce the recipients of our BWFN Scholarship. 

“We are thrilled to have yet another opportunity to produce the BWFN Summit, thanks to the support of Cvent,” says BWFN Board Chair Saptosa Foster. “In recent years, we’ve witnessed iconic remarks from women like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lizzo, Viola Davis, Michelle Obama and countless others. Those moments are part of a rich tradition of wisdom that is the magic of Black women, and we wanted to honor that uniqueness with this year’s Summit theme. Furthermore, there aren’t many places you can go in the film and television industry to network, gain knowledge, and access resources all in one space that is created specifically for Black women. The Summit is that space, and we are fortunate to be able to bring it back to Atlanta in person.”

“Twenty-six years ago, my Georgia State University film teacher told me the world needed to hear stories told by Black women,” says Sheryl Gripper, who founded BWFN in 1997 in Atlanta. “He asked what I was going to do about it. With the help of a visionary group of women, I formed the Black Women Film Network. That vision continues today with the leadership of our Board Chair Saptosa Foster.”

To register for the BWFN Summit, visit blackwomenfilm.org. [Early bird registration discount lasts until March 20!]

Follow us on Instagram (@blackwomenfilm) or Facebook (BlackWomenFilmNetwork) for additional updates.

About Black Women Film Network

Established in 1997, the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) was founded to prepare black women to enter the film and television industries. The organization seeks to preserve the voice of these women through film and educational programs that empower and inform. A 501(c)3 non-profit, BWFN provides student scholarships, hosts screenings and workshops, and honors individuals who have excelled in this difficult industry. Visit BWFN online at blackwomenfilm.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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Full-Figured Flings Teaser Nears 14K Views – Director of Photography Offers Special Father’s Day Release

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Back 2 the Basics Production Management Group is proud to announce the official teaser premiere for FFF: Full-Figured Flings, a bold and unapologetic new film celebrating full-figured women and challenging the norms of beauty in Hollywood. Clocking in at just 46 seconds, the teaser doesn’t waste a moment, delivering a powerful visual and emotional punch that sets the tone for a project rooted in body positivity, size inclusivity, and cultural truth.

Premiering ahead of the 20th anniversary of Phat Girlz (2006), FFF serves as both homage and evolution. The film expands the conversation around colorism, sizeism, and shapeism, spotlighting women who have often been cast aside, sidelined, or silenced.

“This teaser is more than a preview—it’s a declaration,” said Lillie Mae Jones, creator and producer. “FFF is our love letter to the women who’ve never been centered but have always been essential. We’re not just telling stories—we’re shifting the lens.”

 FFF: Full-Figured Flings is currently in development as a non-union independent production, with plans to release in 2026. The film invites audiences and allies to follow, support, and amplify the message through community engagement, open casting calls, and creative collaborations—including the launch of a nationwide call for a “Big Girl Anthem” to serve as the film’s official theme song.

Accept the Challenge…

The buzz is building fast around the highly anticipated full-figured fashion experience FFF, and now there’s a challenge on the table that fans won’t want to miss.

After racking up 11,000 views in less than 10 days, the official teaser video for FFF on YouTube is quickly gaining momentum. And now, the film’s Director of Photography, Dominique Perry, has thrown down a bold offer:

“If we hit 20,000 views before Saturday, June 14th, I’ll drop an exclusive second teaser on Father’s Day.”

This is more than a film—it’s a movement. FFF is a high-fashion, high-impact visual celebration of full-figured women taking a stand for representation, inclusion, and power on and off the runway.

Here’s how you can help make it happen: Watch the teaser now on YouTube. Like, comment, and subscribe. Share it with your community and post why YOU stand in solidarity with full-figured women

Watch here for a taste of the boldness, beauty, and energy

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