
WHERE CRAFT MEETS COMMUNITY
![BFS[822]--_4000P1076019 (1).jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f48162fe5a2917b916a2c9e/1fd57275-f4b7-4844-9fb1-1f8cc42d2718/BFS%5B822%5D--_4000P1076019+%281%29.jpg)



GET YOUR TICKETS
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Regular Priced Tickets End September 16th
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GET YOUR TICKETS 〰️ Regular Priced Tickets End September 16th 〰️

There are
film festivals.
There are networking events.
Then there’s
BFS WEEKEND.
BFS Weekend 2025 is our third 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.
Over the course of one dynamic weekend, attendees will take part in immersive workshops, panels led by industry experts, and community-driven discussions focused on the art and craft of storytelling. While festivals and mixers offer exposure, opportunities for deep creative development outside of expensive academic programs are limited—and that’s where we come in.
We’re bringing together some of the most talented and generous voices in the industry to help filmmakers grow, connect, and create on their own terms.
This year’s theme celebrates the multi-hyphenate creative.
As the film industry constantly evolves in unprecedented ways, filmmakers are facing the reality that sustaining their careers often requires the art of pivoting.
The idea of a multi-hyphenate once carried a stigma for lack of focus, but as the media landscape shifts, multi-hyphenate creatives are emerging as powerhouses with marketable skills that help them generate multiple streams of income that can navigate any industry changes.
We’ll explore what it means to build a career in which you can be celebrated for your diverse skills and offer education that can help you stay marketable as an adaptable storyteller across all areas in the industry.





OPENING NIGHT PARTY
7pm to 11pm
Diamantes
410 8th Avenue, New York City, NY 10001
Kick off BFS Weekend 2025 with a night of music, drinks, and community! Join us as we bring together filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives from across the country for an unforgettable evening. This is your chance to connect, celebrate, and set the tone for an inspiring weekend ahead. Don’t miss it!
friday, september 19
saturday, september 20
SESSIONS
Join us for a full day of panels, workshops, and community building breakout rooms.
Doors open at 9:30am
Manhattan Neighborhood Network
509 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Collaborating as Multi-Hyphenates for Your Debut Feature Film
Stage A
Filmmakers Rashad Frett, Lin Que Ayoung, and Ramfis Myrthil discuss their arduous journey from proof of concept short to Sundance award-winning feature film ‘Ricky’. The session will also delve in their varied talents lending to their collaboration, followed by scene study of clips from the film.
Full schedule times coming soon. See below for sessions details.
RASHAD FRETT
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Rashad Frett is an award-winning Caribbean American filmmaker who began pursuing the arts after serving as a U.S. Army Combat Medic during 9/11. Inspired to create social impact through media, he earned an MFA from NYU’s prestigious Tisch Graduate Film Program. His short film ‘Ricky’ premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and in 2025, Frett premiered the debut feature ‘Ricky’ at the Sundance Film Festival, where he won the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Frett’s accolades include a BAFTA-HBO Scholarship, a Martin Scorsese Young Filmmakers Scholarship, a DGA Student Film Award, two King Wasserman Awards, a Spike Lee Production Fellowship, and a Cary Fukunaga Production Fund. He’s also a mentee of Ryan Murphy’s HALF Initiative and a 2023 Sundance Feature Film Lab Fellow.
LIN QUE AYOUNG
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Lin Que Ayoung is an award-winning writer, director, and producer. Upon obtaining an MFA from NYU's Graduate Film program, Lin Que's thesis film, ‘Cracked’, which won The Spike Lee Production Grant, won a Top Honor King Wasserman Award for Best Graduate Film at NYU's First Run Film Festival. There, it was also awarded Craft Awards for Acting and Cinematography. ‘Cracked’ had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and is currently streaming on HBO MAX. Lin Que was selected to be a Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow as a co-writer for the feature film ‘Ricky’. Amongst her achievements, Lin Que was chosen to be a fellow of the Gotham Marcie Bloom Fellowship Program, one of the ten Women Director's selected for Issa Rae's Project Greenlight, and a mentee for Ryan Murphy's HALF Initiative Director Shadowing Program where she received extensive mentorship from Steven Canals, the 3-time Emmy-nominated Co-creator, Showrunner, and Writer/Director of FX's groundbreaking drama series ‘Pose’.
RAMFIS MYRTHIL
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Ramfis Myrthil, a global citizen and storyteller who has carved a dynamic and celebrated path through the film industry. He is passionate about championing narratives from around the world. His focus is on uplifting stories that resonate with diverse communities, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, women, and the disabled community. Ramfis began his journey in the film industry by premiering his first short, ‘Love and the Small Print,’ at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival in 2012, where it was picked up by Shorts International for worldwide distribution. He went on to build a successful body of work as a producer, with one of his most celebrated feature films, ‘Cicada,’ released in 2021, winning awards at several film festivals and being nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. He also found success in the Tribeca Film Festival Creators Market with his project ‘5150’ in 2021, executive produced alongside David Oyelowo. He was a producer for the Oscar-qualified short film ‘Ricky’ and developed it through the prestigious Sundance Producer Lab program. His other credits include the documentary ‘Bad Like Brooklyn Dance Hall’ which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, ‘Unidentified Objects’ and ‘Haze’ which was financed and distributed by Shudder, and 2025’s ‘Terrestrial’, a gripping sci-fi thriller directed by Steve Pink, at the Fantasia International Film Festival. He serves as an advisor for the Sundance Film Institute’s Collab producing program, is a co-founder of the Hyphen Grant supporting filmmakers from the Caribbean and West Indies, and is an adjunct professor at Five Towns College and Montclair University, he continues to teach “Advanced Producing” to the next generation of filmmakers. Ramfis was named to Stars' 2018 40 Under 40 list and serves as a panelist at various film festivals.
Crafting the All-in-One Pitch
Stage A
Television executive, TV writer and novelist Stacy Evans Morgan will discuss strategies for pitching TV show ideas as a creative with multiple talents in comedy.
STACY EVANS MORGAN
'Brand New' Short Film: A Case Study for Production, Festival, and Distribution Success
Stage A
Filmmaking team Denzel Whitaker and Quincy & Yuki Ledbetter created a compelling short film entitled 'Brand New' that made incredible waves in the film festival circuit in 2024. The film screened at notable festivals such as Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and Urbanworld Film Festival. They also secured a two-year, five-figure distribution deal with AMC/ALLBLK. AMC executive Sean Charles will weigh in how they were able to convince a major network to offer them incentives that are typical reserved for feature films.
denzel
whitaker
quincy ledbetter
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Quincy Ledbetter is a filmmaker specializing primarily in directing and writing narrative films and television. In 2020 he wrote, directed, and composed the score for his debut feature film, 'Alieu the Dreamer' released via BET and Paramount Players. This year his award winning short film, 'Brand New', co-written and co-directed with Denzel Whitaker, received distribution on AMC's ALLBLK streaming platform. In 2024 Quincy was inducted into the DGA's Director Development Initiative Mentorship Program, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of television directors. His credits also include Emmy nominated documentaries.
sean charles
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Sean Charles is an Executive Producer and Scripted/Unscripted Development & Production Manager at ALLBLK/WE tv an AMC Networks property. He is responsible for producing and developing original content for the streaming service and linear broadcaster, in addition to assisting in acquisitions and scheduling. Having worked on such titles as the 2025 Telly Award Winning unscripted series Deb’s House in the Television Game Show & Competition category that aired across, WE tv, ALLBLK and Peacock to scripted projects like Wicked City selected as a 2025 GLAAD Media Award nominee for Outstanding Drama Series he’s had a wide range of experiences. Sean also alongside filmmakers Gabriel Reis and Ahmad Muhammad, independently produced the Award-Winning short film The Therapist, starring Trell Woodberry and Vanessa Simmons. He is also a 2024 Cynopsis Rising Star recipient. Formed and led the inaugural Black employee resource group, Vested Interest in Black Employees (V.I.B.E) from 2018 through 2021, as Co-Chair at AMC Networks. In addition to having received his B.A in Media Communications from Queens College, CUNY he also holds an M.B.A from Mercy College.
Utilizing AI for Filmmaking
Stage B
Evan will lead a session focusing on new AI storytelling techniques meant to streamline production, brainstorm, and enhance ideas that will elevate any audiovisual work in progress.
evan rose
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Evan Rose is the founder of Rose Digital, an agency focused on storytelling using Augmented Reality and Digital Transformation. Some clients include AirBnB, Adidas, American Express, Red Bull, Patron and many others.
Unconventional Distribution Pathways for Multi-Hyphenate Creatives
Stage B
Indie filmmakers are being challenged now more than ever to work around tighter barriers of entry as streamers and studios ignore much of our talent. Arts administrator/filmmaker Talia Koylass and social media savant Jerrica Long will lead a discussion that invites unique, yet lucrative avenues to distribute your film and prepare you for a brand new filmmaking landscape in the future.
TALIA KOYLASS
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Talia Koylass is a Chicago-based director and producer working at the intersection of dance and film. She is the founder of Motion/Pictures Dance Project (MPDP), an artist-led company dedicated to movement-driven storytelling that uplifts Black and Black-diasporic voices, with collaborations spanning artists such as Rena Butler and Jasmin Taylor and institutions including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Her work has been featured on platforms like Afropunk and Art on theMart, with films premiering at Sundance, Tribeca, and the Chicago International Film Festival. Holding an MFA in Film from Howard University and having produced over ten shorts and two features through MPDP and during her time with Full Spectrum Features, Talia is now developing MPDP’s first feature while advancing inclusive, innovative models for independent filmmaking. Her accolades include 2025 OTV Atlas Fund Recipient (BAWDY); 2025 EFM Narrative Fiction Toolbox Participant (European Film Market, Berlinale); 2024 Haile Gerima Directing Award (Howard University MFA Film Program)
jerrica long
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Jerrica Long is a creative strategist, digital showrunner, and founder of Greenlight Yourself, helping entertainment companies and creators grow loyal audiences without Netflix-sized budgets. With over a decade in TV, film, and digital media — including roles at Netflix, SpringHill Entertainment (Lebron James Entertainment Co.), and Lionsgate — her clients’ projects have landed on Netflix, Amazon, and major networks. She specializes in turning ideas into signature series and sustainable careers, giving creatives the tools to own their audience and their future. Clients’ projects have been featured on Netflix, Amazon, and major networks.
Multi-Hyphenate Legal Open House
Stage B
As an entertainment attorney, Janine Beach serves various BIPOC clients with unique, distinct challenges, including multi-hyphenates who need to optimize their various talents for professional growth. She will be leading an open house for creatives at all levels to ask their pressing questions.
JANINE BEACH
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Janine is a lawyer and strategy consultant who is passionate about advocating for creatives, and brings over twelve years of experience as an entertainment lawyer and media strategist across film, television, digital media, and theater. As an entertainment lawyer, her practice focuses on representing creative talent and producers. Prior to starting her own firm, she was a lawyer in private practice and in-house and gained equal experience representing both top-tier and emerging clients. Her strategy work focuses on SME and boutique entertainment companies. She began my legal career at a leading Wall Street law firm, her consulting career at the foremost international management consultancy, and has been a senior advisor to C-suite executives at international media companies. Her clients’ projects have premiered at Sundance, TIFF, Berlinale and Tribeca and on major broadcasters and streaming services. She is also a frequent public speaker and has lectured and appeared on panels at NYU Tisch, The Gotham (formerly Independent Filmmaker Project), CUNY, NYC Media Center, ACTRA, Content Canada, Edinburgh Film Festival, London Film School and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson).
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
If you have specific accessibility needs—such as ASL interpretation, mobility accommodations, reserved seating, or access to a quiet space—please email us at info@blackfilmspace.com as early as possible. We’ll do our best to meet your needs and make sure you can fully participate in the event.
The Black Film Space Logline & Pitch Competition is back—and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
In Partnership with cliveRd & 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.
If you’ve got a compelling story, this is your moment. Submit your logline for a shot to pitch in front of a panel of esteemed judges.
Five finalists will be selected to present their ideas live, and one winner will walk away with more than just funding.
The winning filmmaker will receive:
• $2,500
• A Gotham Pro Membership
• A one-on-one consultation with a Gotham team member to discuss their project’s future.
Meet the Judges
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Kia Brooks
Deputy Director, The Gotham
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Casey Baron
Programmer, Tribeca Festival (U.S. Narrative & Games)
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Sean Charles
Development & Production Manager, ALLBLK & WE tv
LAST YEARS WINNER
Jordaine Pearce won the 2024 competition with a sharp delivery and a powerful concept.
This year, it could be you.
How to Enter
To participate, you must be registered for BFS Weekend.
• Purchase your ticket
• You’ll automatically receive an e-mail with a form to enter the contest.
• Submit your logline by August 8th at 11:59 PM EST
• Finalists will be notified by September 1st.
FAQs
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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.
