2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival at Howard University Unveils All-Star Programming Schedule

The HBCU First Look Film Festival, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of diversity in film, TV and broadcasting, reveals their second annual screening, speaker and programming slate, taking place November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

As the nation's only film festival honoring HBCU educated filmmakers, executives and content creators, the three-day festivities include celebrities and "I Aspire" honoree changemakers committed to building bridges with HBCU students to Hollywood in support of "A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism."

Highlights include:

A Conversation on Power, Passion & Perseverance with NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis.

Moderated by Emmy Award-winning host, comedienne and actress Loni Love, the two will discuss the state of the industry and navigating its landscape.

Masterclass with creator and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll (All American, Found)

Career Development with speaker Keanna "KJ" Rose, a 2024 "I Aspire" 100 honoree, speaker, author and FAMU alum 

Screening and Talkback true crime series "Killer Relationships w/ Faith Jenkins"

My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon honoring Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU Los Angeles), and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia). 

The annual HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which received over 200 film submissions, will award three winners with internships. 

Closing Night at the Movies: 'The Honorable: Shyne' Documentary 'Exclusive' Clip & Conversations Reception.

Informational sessions celebrating iconic Black film titles include:

STRICTLY BUSINESS: A discussion on independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship with production companies

THE BLACK GODFATHER: A panel on documentary filmmaking, music licensing and supervision 

BEAUTY SHOP: From costume design to character makeup, a talk about the glitz and glam of production

DREAMGIRLS: A conversation with today's young, gifted and Black actresses 

SCHOOL DAZE: How to Identify your career niche and market your brand

– More programming to announced –

For film enthusiasts and students, tickets can be purchased via www.hbcufirstlook.com and HBCU First LOOK Festival app.  For more information, visit all social platforms @hbcufirstlook #hbcufirstlook #blackfilmmakers #myvoiceviewvote #IAspirechallenge

Sponsors and media partners include AARP, HBCYOU, Café Mocha Network, Andscape, NBC Universal, TV One, Oxygen, HBCUGO.TV, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142, L.A.I. Communications, and the Mocha Podcasts Network. .

About HBCU First LOOK Film Festival

Founded by Howard University alumni Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is inspiring a new generation of minority talent in the film, television, and broadcasting industry by teaching HBCU students' practical skills to improve their craft, and creating places to showcase their work, and connecting executives and students to a pipeline of talent and career opportunities.

HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Announces 2024 "I Aspire" 100

The second annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF), announced its 2024 festival dates, November 8 – 10th  and  the premiere  of the 2024 HBCU First LOOK "I Aspire" 100. (2024 HBCU First LOOK 100)

The HBCU First LOOK "I Aspire" 100 is a curated collective of notable HBCU alumni who are inspiring the next generation of content creators across film, television, and digital platforms. This year's list includes MSNBC President Rashida Jones (Hampton University); Former NFL Player and Sports Commentator Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State University); actress and singer Fantasia Barrino Taylor (Central State), actress Lynn Whitfield (Howard University);  Anthony Anderson (Howard University), and Keisha Knight Pulliam (Spelman College); film, network and studio executives, directors, and producers Will Packer (Florida A&M University), Spike Lee (Morehouse College), Aisha Summers Burke (Howard University), Robert Boyd (Morehouse), and Risha Archibald (Lincoln University); award-winning hairstylist and makeup artist Mia Neal (Jackson State University); stage and media influencer K. J. Rose  (Florida A&M University); and many more. The 100 list honorees are invited to "pay it forward" by posting their "I Aspire" message highlighting a movie and/or person who inspired their career and use the hashtag #IAspire2024. 

The HBCU First LOOK "I Aspire" 100 list was inspired by the inaugural 2023 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival and Initiative which highlighted the rich culture and diverse talent within the HBCU community. 

Following in the footsteps of its inaugural year, which featured a star-studded presentation of the Obamas' Netflix film, Rustin, the 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) will take place on November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. This year's HBCU First LOOK Film Festival's theme: "A Celebration of Black Cinema X Activism will highlight some of Hollywood's most influential classic films and HBCU alums in arts and entertainment who have built bridges for the next generation.

HBCU First LOOK App will be the one stop source for festival activations that include the announcement of three grand prize winners of the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge; panel discussions and masterclasses with entertainment industry leaders and filmmakers, film screenings; with interactive Career & Vendor Lounge.

Sponsors and media partners include AARP, Café Mocha Network, HBCUGO.TV, Howard University Department of Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network, HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142, and Impact Media.  

For more information, visit HBCUFirstLook.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Jalila Larsuel - J L Media PR - Jalila@JLMediaPR.com

HBCU First LOOK Film Festival: Sheila Eldridge – CEO - Sheila@milesaheadentertainment.com 

SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment