September 18-20, 2026 | New York City
WEEKEND
BLACK FILM SPACE
Schedule & Panels
FRIDAY
September 18, 2026
3pm-10pm
Community and Industry Screening, Opening Night Party
SATURDAY
September 19, 2026
11am-8pm
Full Day BFS Conference
& pitch competition
SUNDAY
September 20, 2026
1pm-5pm
BFS Awards
Where
Craft Meets Community
There are film festivals.
There are networking events.
Then there’s BFS WEEKEND.
BFS Weekend 2026 is our 4th annual large-scale conference dedicated to helping Black filmmakers grow their craft, expand their networks, and explore bold new approaches to storytelling. This is a hands-on, skill-building experience designed for Black filmmakers at all levels.
Experience immersive workshops, panels led by industry experts, and community-driven discussions focused on the art and craft of storytelling. While many events offer exposure, ours is dedicated to providing opportunities for deep creative development outside of expensive academic programs.
Our 2026 theme IS FOCUSED ON CAREER SUSTAINABILITY. Our 2026 theme will center tools, strategies, and relationships to help Black creatives to sustain thriving careers in today’s industry climate. Attendees will walk away feeling empowered, innovative and ready to conquer the ever-changing world of film, television and content.
Tickets
Friday, September 18th
Late - $55
Saturday, September 19th
Late - $100
Sunday, September 20th
Late - $135
All ticket tiers include a Buy 4, Get 1 Free discount.
BFS Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 18
3:00 PM
Community Screening
Black Film Space Weekend kicks off with a full day of film, community, and celebration in partnership with BRIC Arts Media! We’ll open with a community screening featuring 10 dynamic short films at 3pm.
↘ Destinee Easley | Dear Life
↘ Jason Hightower | Blackberry Winter
↘ Mar'Shon Dalton | Forward
↘ Antwand Pearman | Juliette's Miracle on St. Nick
↘ Kerry Coddett | Zeke
↘ Shadrach Akoi | Tale of a...SUNDOWN Town
↘ Jasmine Lynea | The Love Machine
↘ Folajimi Olutiola | Kill
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
6:00 PM
Join us for a special screening of Hulu's film "They Fight", starring Wendell Pierce and Andre Holland, followed by an engaging conversation with the director Sheldon Candis. He will explore the creative vision, production journey, and cultural impact behind the project.
↘ Moderator: Lande Yoosuf
Industry Screening of Hulu's "They Fight" with Director Sheldon Candis
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
8:00 PM
oPENING niGHT MIXER
The screenings will be followed by our Opening Night Mixer, sponsored by Martingale Cognac—bringing filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and film lovers together to connect, celebrate, and toast to the start of an unforgettable weekend.
BRIC Arts Media
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
Saturday, September 19
Lunch available to purchase by Charles Pan Fried Chicken.
STAGE A
The Sheen Center, Loretto Theater
18 Bleecker Street New York, NY
11:00 AM
Preparing to Star and Direct Your First Feature Film
Ready to call the shots while commanding the screen? This fireside chat explores the exhilarating challenge of directing your first feature while also stepping into the starring role. From developing a clear creative vision and preparing for both performances to managing limited resources, building a trusted team, and knowing when to take off the director’s hat, attendees will gain candid insight into navigating this ambitious leap with confidence.
12:10 PM
In a world where audiences are flooded with content at every scroll, how do you create branded work that actually breaks through? This session explores the art and strategy of producing and directing branded content in an increasingly saturated media landscape. Industry professionals will unpack how to develop concepts that feel fresh, capture attention quickly, satisfy client goals without sacrificing creativity, and build authentic connections with audiences. Learn how to cut through the noise, create work that resonates, and turn standout branded storytelling into a sustainable part of your creative career.
Presented by Complex: Producing and Directing Effective Branded Content
1:20 PM
Film and Television Producing in 2026 and Beyond
The film and television industry is evolving faster than ever, and producers are being challenged to rethink how projects are developed, financed, packaged, and brought to audiences. In this candid conversation, with showrunner and producer Alliah Sophia Mourad, she will discuss the realities of creating content in today's marketplace. Attendees will gain practical insights into building sustainable careers, identifying opportunities in a changing industry, and producing projects that are both creatively fulfilling and commercially viable. Whether you're producing your first short film or your next feature or series, this session will provide the tools and perspective needed to thrive in the current entertainment landscape.
2:50 PM
Nobody builds a career in Hollywood alone. Inspired by the legacy of John Singleton and his commitment to opening doors for the next generation, this session explores how emerging filmmakers can seek out mentorship, build meaningful industry relationships, and turn guidance into real career momentum. Through candid conversation and firsthand insights, we’ll unpack what makes a great mentor-mentee relationship, how to show up ready for opportunity, and—most importantly—how to pay it forward as you rise.
Learning from John Singleton: Utilizing Mentorship as a Tool for Emerging Filmmakers
4:00 PM
BFS Weekend Pitch Contest
In Partnership with The Gotham, we’re giving one storyteller the chance to pitch live in New York City during BFS Weekend, win a $2,500 cash prize, and gain exclusive access to industry opportunities designed to move their career forward.
↘ Moderator: Danielle Bennett
↘ Judge: Sharese Bullock-Bailey
↘ Judge: Kia Brooks
↘ Judge: Shrihari Sathe
5:30 PM
Navigating Submissions for Festivals, Funding and Labs in 2026 and Beyond
The applications are endless, the competition is fierce, and the rejection emails can take a toll—but don’t count yourself out. This session gets candid about navigating festivals, grants, labs, and fellowships at a time when filmmaker morale is low and opportunities feel harder to secure. Industry insiders will break down what makes a submission stand out, common mistakes that can weaken a strong project, and how to strategically position your work without burning yourself out. Learn how to sharpen your materials, build a smarter submission strategy, handle the inevitable “no’s,” and keep showing up until the right yes finds you.
STAGE B
Studio A + studio B
18 Bleecker Street New York, NY
11:00 AM
Making Short Films for Social Media
This conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of releasing short films directly on social media—and what filmmakers can gain by bringing their work straight to audiences.
↘ Moderator: Reggie Williams
↘ Adrian Yang
12:15 PM
Social Impact Through Filmmaking
Join Ethiopian-American Filmmaker Herrana Addisu as she leads a session that explores how filmmakers can intentionally integrate impact into every stage of the creative process, from development and financing to partnerships, audience engagement, and distribution. She will share her journey of working across the nonprofit, advocacy, and film worlds, building campaigns and collaborations that extend the life of a film beyond the screen. Herrana will also include an interactive as a workshop so filmmakers can map out tactics for impact on their personal projects.
2:45 PM
Learn how to build productive relationships with casting directors and create a smoother casting process for independent projects. This session will offer filmmakers practical guidance on communicating their vision, preparing effective casting materials, navigating auditions and callbacks, and collaborating within limited budgets and timelines. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how casting directors work—and how to become the kind of creative partner they’re excited to work with.
Casting with Confidence: Building Strong Filmmaker–Casting Director Partnerships
4:00 PM
Actors Representative Toolkit
Representation shouldn’t just help you land your next opportunity—it should help you build a career that lasts. This session explores how actors, filmmakers and screenwriters can work strategically with agents, managers, and other industry advocates to navigate an unpredictable marketplace, position projects effectively, and create momentum beyond a single sale or job. Learn how to cultivate a strong creative identity, leverage your team and relationships, and make career choices that keep you working, evolving, and in the game for the long haul.
STAGE C
Studio C
18 Bleecker Street New York, NY
11:00 AM
Community Conversation:
How Do We Get Our Films Made—and Seen?
An open conversation for filmmakers to share their experiences, questions, and challenges around making independent work. The discussion may move organically between financing, production, editing, distribution, and finding an audience. Attendees are encouraged to exchange ideas, discuss what has and hasn’t worked for them, and learn from one another.
12:15 PM
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THE CAMERA W/ AZZIE SCOTT
A hands-on workshop exploring different cameras and how to choose the right one for your story, production needs, and budget. Instructor Azzie will have a range of filmmaking equipment on-site—including an Alexa Mini LF, RED, a Sony FX3, and an iPhone—giving attendees the opportunity to see, handle, and compare each one.
2:45 PM
Filmmakers Indie Rountable with Attorney Janine Beach
Join an entertainment attorney Janine Beach for an open roundtable designed to help indie filmmakers better understand the legal side of bringing a project to life. From contracts and releases to intellectual property, business formation, and distribution, attendees will have the opportunity to ask general questions and gain practical insight into common legal considerations. Please note: This discussion is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship.
4:00 PM
Project Hot Seat
Bring a current project challenge and leave with fresh ideas and practical next steps. Each participant will have three minutes to introduce their project and explain a specific creative, logistical, financial, or strategic obstacle. The group will then have two minutes to offer focused feedback, helpful resources, and potential solutions.
↘ Moderator: Melissa Quinones
5:15 PM
Speed Networking
Make meaningful connections through a series of quick, focused conversations with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. Share what you do, discuss what you’re working on, and discover potential collaborators, resources, and opportunities—all in a fast-paced, welcoming environment.
↘ Moderator: Melissa Quinones
6:30 PM
BUILDING BLACK FILM SPACE—AND OUR OWN CREATIVE PATHS
Black Film Space Co-Founders Reggie Williams and Lande Yoosuf sit down for an honest conversation about what they’ve learned over more than a decade of building Black Film Space—from creating programs and cultivating community to navigating partnership, leadership, limited resources, and a changing industry.
They’ll also discuss the challenge of pursuing their own creative ambitions while leading the organization. Lande recently released her short film White Agbádá, now making its way through the festival circuit, while Reggie is building a YouTube channel as a platform for his films, documentaries, and ideas. Together, they’ll reflect on the benefits and difficulties of their respective paths, what they would do differently, and what they hope to build next.
Sunday, September 20
The BFS Awards
Black Film Space will honor filmmakers, creatives and industry leaders who are redefining what sustainable success looks like. Join us as we honor the visionaries proving that longevity, impact and community matter just as much as the spotlight to close out Black Film Space Weekend 2026. Check out more details on previous years.
Schedule
3 World Trade Center | 175 Greenwich Street, 50th Floor New York, NY 10007
1–2 PM - Food & Cocktails Served
2–4 PM - BFS Awards Program
4–5 PM - Closing Reception
Unable to attend? Make a donation directly here.
Honorees
Day 1 Award
Okema T. Moore
Director / Producer
Winner 2025 ABFF Director's Showcase
EMMY Nominated, PGA Producer
2025 Black Magic Collective Episodic Directing Fellow
Advocate Award
Nikki Love
SVP Development & Production ALLBLK
The Oscars (BTS Segment)
G.R.I.T.S
Wild Rose
Visionary Award
Lisa Cortes
Director and Producer
Little Richard: I Am Everything
The Space Race
Precious
Powerhouse Award
Susan Fales-Hill
Producer, Writer, and Actress
A Different World
And Just Like That
Twenties
More Honorees to be announced soon
〰️
More Honorees to be announced soon 〰️
Maverick Award
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Writer / Director
Premature
Gun Hill Road
The Chi
Luminary Award
Kara Young
Actress
Is God Is
I'm A Virgo
Hair Wolf
the pitch competition
The Black Film Space Logline & Pitch Competition is back—and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
In Partnership with The Gotham, we’re giving one storyteller the chance to pitch live in New York City during BFS Weekend, win a $2,500 cash prize, and gain exclusive access to industry opportunities designed to move their career forward.
Prizes for the winning film maker
• $2,500
• A Gotham Pro Membership
• A one-on-one consultation with a Gotham team member to discuss their project’s future
HOW TO enTER
•Note: Submissions have been closed, thank you to all who submitted!
Finalists have all been notified, see them here.
Pitch Finalists
Tatiana Tift
Scratch-Off
At her grandfather's birthday party, an eleven-year-old girl battling chronic eczema develops an uncanny obsession with scratch-off lottery tickets, blurring the line between childhood wonder and a surreal transformation.
Mia Musa
The Billboards
Two friends on a roadtrip notice an eerie trend, every time they pass by urban areas, there's an abundance of billboards for injury law firms. This takes 1 of the friends on an investigative journey on what's behind the trend, uncovering a sinister plot.
JoiAshanti Watkis
Discount Tuesdays
Discount Tuesdays follows three women working at a beloved neighborhood movie theater, navigating their first Saturn Returns and supporting each other’s searches for new identity, real intimacy, and figuring out their “purpose” while barely keeping themselves - and the theater - from falling apart.
Jaeda Mason
Steep
Behind a respectable ladies tea party, a woman secretly runs an underground railroad sheltering women denied reproductive care, until her house comes under threat.
Samra Seifu
So Below
After a boating accident transforms a rookie New Orleans history professor into a mermaid, she discovers her bloodline’s transatlantic aquatic kingdom and grapples with her family’s dark secrets and impact on history, from the slave trade to Hurricane Katrina.
Judges
Kia Brooks
Managing Director of The Gotham Film and Media Institute
Sharese Bullock-Bailey
Chief Program Officer at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Emmy-nominated Producer and film industry strategic consultant.
Shrihari Sathe
New York-based director and producer, Assistant Professor and the Head of Producing in NYU's Graduate Film Department . Sathe is a member of Producers United, PGA, IMPPA and AMPAS.
2025 winner
Sekiya Dorsett won the 2025 competition with a sharp delivery and a powerful concept.
This year, it could be you.
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No. It's open for all lengths, formats and genres of scripted/narrative films.
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Unfortunately, no. It's open for scripted projects.
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Your name, e-mail address, logline, basic details about the project and quality photo of yourself (for promotional purposes)
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We are open to all experience levels. We are choosing the finalists based on the most clear, concise, unique, well written loglines.
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You are required to use the prize money on the project you are pitching.
You will be provided specific instruction on how to report the use of the funds.
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Yes, only two team members from each project can pitch at a time.
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To get a feel for how a logline should read, start with a basic structure.
When [INCITING INCIDENT OCCURS]...
A [CHARACTER TYPE]...
Must [OBJECTIVE]...
Before [STAKES]
Keep your logline between 25 to 50 words or one to two sentences.
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Unfortunately, no. You can only submit one logline per filmmaker.
SPONSORED BY
Get Involved
Speaker Details
Alliah Sophia Mourad
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Alliah Sophia Mourad is a producer and creative for long and short form content. She has created work across narrative, documentary, film/TV, and branded content platforms for over ten years. Born and raised in New York City by her Cuban Jamaican Mother and Egyptian Father, she had a less than ordinary childhood. Coming from immigrant parents, storytelling was always more than a creative expression - it was a window into her parents’ history and culture. As a producer, she strives to find the power of every voice in every story she tells and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of her industry. Alliah co-produced the film Skate Kitchen (2018) with Jayden Smith and Season 1 of HBO’s Betty (2020). She was Executive Producer for Betty Season 2 (2021) and Co-Executive Producer for Showtime's Flatbush Misdemeanors. She has also been a consultant at Warner Brothers to promote Random Acts of Flyness, a Peabody award winning show, to HBO with her mentor leading.
Adrian Yang
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Adrian Yang is a New York-based writer and director whose work focuses on love, loss, relationships, and human connection. His short films PASSING and GOOD TO SEE YOU went viral, surpassing 16 million views across Instagram and YouTube and introducing his character-driven storytelling to a global audience. Yang is a graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory’s directing program. His original screenplay MY NAME IS TERRY was highlighted by The Black List as a “must-read” and praised as “powerful” and “arresting.”
PASSING became a breakout online short for Yang. Within the first week of its release on Instagram, it gained one million views, and continued to climb with an average of one million views per week. Together with GOOD TO SEE YOU, a short film he completed in London, Yang’s short films have surpassed 16 million views across Instagram and YouTube. The response to PASSING led to broader industry attention, representation, and meetings with film and television companies.
Andre Holland
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André Holland is an American actor. He is widely known for his 2016 performance as Kevin in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight. Holland has acted in film, television, and theatre productions.
Armani Ortiz
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Armani Jay Ortiz is an American director, writer, actor, and producer. Known for his work at Tyler Perry Studios, Ortiz directed over 100 episodes of television series. He directed the 2023 documentary Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story and, in 2024, created and produced the BET+ drama series Perimeter.
Azzie Scott
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Azzie Scott is an American director, writer, cinematographer, and editor known for his cinematic visual style and multidisciplinary approach to filmmaking. His work spans feature films, narrative shorts, music videos, documentaries, and branded content, bridging commercial entertainment and narrative storytelling. Azzie first established himself directing music videos for a diverse range of artists, including NEYO, Chloe Bailey, Nicki Minaj, Teddy Swims, Moliy, Jagged Edge, Davido, Wiz Khalifa, Jack Harlow, PNB Rock, and Queen Naija. His visual approach combines stylized imagery, strong character presence, and emotionally driven storytelling. In addition to directing, Azzie frequently serves as a cinematographer and editor on his projects, allowing him to maintain a cohesive creative vision from concept through final delivery. His narrative work includes the short films Jack × Jill, Gallo Legend of the Cockblocker, and segments of Slick Rick’s Victory film. Azzie directed, co-wrote, and served as director of photography on the episodic series Alone Isn't the Worst Part, while also serving as director of photography on the feature film Fifteen Wives which was shot on location in Cameroon, Africa. His continued transition into long-form narrative filmmaking reflects a commitment to creating character-driven stories with a distinctive visual identity. Across every project, his creative philosophy remains the same: “Telling stories with emotion, through motion.”








