NEW YORK — There’s still time to become the next top filmmaker. On Nov. 1 ESSENCE invited aspiring filmmakers to showcase their own inspiring images reflecting the truths and triumphs of Black women’s lives by entering The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Short Film Contest: Spotlight On Our Journeys. Since its launch on ESSENCE.com, the #1 media brand for African-American women has continued to receive an eclectic gathering of submissions. The final deadline for submissions is Dec. 5.
The aim of ESSENCE’s Short Film contest is to create images of Black women that are multidimensional and refreshing – in contrast to the narrow depictions that are commonly presented in media. A team of ESSENCE editors will select the contest finalists and then the Black Women in Hollywood Academy, which includes top industry tastemakers, will choose one winner.
In addition, the panel of judges has expanded to include: husband and wife producing team Mara Brock and Salim Akil; film director and writer Gina Prince Bythewood; producer Stephanie Allain; PEOPLE movie critic Alynda Wheat; director and editor-in-chief of Shadow and Act Tambay Obenson; filmmaker Ava DuVernay; director of development for 34th Street Films Amber Rasberry; and screenwriter and director Dee Rees. They will join previously announced judges Shonda Rhimes, creator and executive producer of hit shows Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal; and actress Regina King. The winner will later be recognized in the company of A-listers during the 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon held on Feb. 27, 2014.
The contest plays out as follows:
Aspiring filmmakers are challenged to write and direct an original short film, no longer than 20 minutes that presents an image of a Black woman in a unique, refreshing way.
One winner, selected by a panel of ESSENCE editors and The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Academy of industry tastemakers, will be recognized in the company of A-listers at the 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on Feb. 27, 2014. Past honorees at this Oscar-week event have included Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Halle Berry, Shonda Rhimes, Suzanne de Passe, Cicely Tyson, Gabrielle Union and many others.
The winning film will also be featured on ESSENCE.com, with a portion played at the Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
For more information and rules, please visit Essence.com/ShortFilmContest.
