Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kathleen Bertrand.

• Founder of the BronzeLens Film Festival, celebrating its 15th year.
• Former Senior VP of Diversity Marketing at the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Longtime advocate for filmmakers of color and inclusive storytelling.

🌟 About the BronzeLens Film Festival

• Mission: To serve as a platform for filmmakers of color, providing exposure, networking, and education.
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia—one of the top three film production hubs in the U.S.
• Dates: August 21–25, 2025.
• Venues: Tara Atlanta Theater and Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College.

🎥 Festival Highlights

• 140 films screened over five days.
• 11 panel discussions on topics like:
  • Filmmaking with smartphones
  • Getting films greenlit
  • Women in film
  • Mental health, comedy, spirituality, and more
• Cinema and Social Justice Sunday: Free public screenings focused on civil rights and human rights.
• Andrew J. Young Cinema and Social Justice Award: Honoring the civil rights icon and Emmy-winning documentarian.

🕴️ Celebrity Involvement

• Films produced or supported by:
  • Jamie Foxx
  • Jamie Lee Curtis
  • Morris Chestnut
  • Ben Crump (civil rights attorney)
• Notable films include How to Sue the Klan and The Warner Boys.

🎉 Special Events

• Filmmakers Sneaker Ball: Inaugural celebration hosted at Atlanta City Hall on August 24.
• BronzeLens Awards Ceremony: Held at Morehouse College, honoring best films, actors, and creators.

🏆 Academy Award Qualifier

• BronzeLens is an Oscar-qualifying festival for short films since 2016.

💡 Secrets to Success

• Hospitality: Treating every filmmaker with care and respect.
• Relationships: Built through integrity, consistency, and community engagement.
• Volunteer Power: Over 100 volunteers help create a welcoming and professional experience.

🌐 More Info

• Website: www.bronzelens.com
• Social Media: @bronzelens on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)

 

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