WASHINGTON — The inaugural HBCU First Look Film Festival is being held at Howard University through Sunday, Nov. 12.
It’s an innovative HBCU initiative that focuses on diversity and inclusion opportunities that brings together HBCU students with HBCU graduates who are creators and leaders in film, TV, and broadcast industries. It's the first-ever film festival focusing on HBCUs.
Award-winning host, comedian, actress and author Loni Love joined our Annie Yu to talk more about the event and her memoir “I Tried to Change So You Don't Have To: True Life Lessons.”
Love said over 125 films were submitted to the festival, and there is a wide variety of genres represented.
"We have films from documentaries, to short films, to long-form films, and this weekend we're going to announce the grand-prize winner," Love said.
There will be panels for filmmakers, conversations and networking opportunities. Some trailblazers in the industry will be in attendance including award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and Cathy Hughes, founder of Urban One.
"We wanted to make sure we had that star power. People that had experience in the industry so that the students would be able to learn," Love said.
Love said she's excited to be hosting the inaugural festival and hopes everyone comes to check it out.
"It's important for the next generation to know that we're there, we're supporting them, and there are different avenues to get your projects out there," Love said.
For more information on the festival, click here.