Supporting female
filmmakers and diversity for nearly two decades
Founded almost 20 years ago by Terra Renee, African
American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) has been supporting and showcasing the
work of African American, African Diaspora, Asian, Latina and Native American women
with programming events – educational series, panels, workshops and screenings
– held throughout the year. An annual
highlight is the AAWIC Film Festival – and the 19th edition is set for
March 22-25, 2017, with a call for
submissions in January.
The AAWIC Film Festival features the works of emerging and established women filmmakers
of color from around the world. The event features screenings, keynote panels on industry-related
topics, a script competition and a special student filmmaking segment. The festival
offers talented women a platform to
share their talents, meet with peers and be mentored by established media and
entertainment professionals.
“What started out as a one-time event 19 years ago, has grown into the festival
it is today, fulfilling a need in the community,” says Renee. “We continue to
do educational outreach and encourage everyone to tell their story.”
Based on the success of the AAWIC in New York, and the growing network of
filmmakers on the East Coast, AAWIC chapters
recently launched in Atlanta and Florida.
Both chapters have been designed to assist with the ongoing growth and
development of burgeoning women filmmakers, writers, producers and directors
around the country.
In addition to year-round programming, AAWIC works with other organizations to
recognize the need for diversity in the production community. AAWIC was
a marketing partner for the Television
& Video Diversity Awards held Dec. 5 in New York City, as part of a
broader daylong Diversity Discussion in TV and Video. The event focused on the continued growth and sustainability of
the business of multicultural TV, including content shown on any viewing platform intended for a
particular audience – defined by ethnicity, nationality, regional or cultural
identity, religious affiliation, gender or LGBT lifestyle. The discussion was fostered through roundtable
discussions and keynote addresses with leaders from advertising, marketing,
promotions, programming, distribution and technology.
AAWIC has also partnered with other industry
organizations including New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) on
panels, workshops and screenings, to help further their reach and raise
awareness. Renee adds that AAWIC is, “
always looking to expand our network and work with organizations who share our vision,
and want to help have everyone’s voice heard and story told.”
