The third annual HBCU First Look Film Festival brought prominent figures in film and television to Howard University from Nov. 6-8, for a three-day celebration of Black creativity and storytelling.
Founded by Howard alumna Sheila Eldridge and produced by Miles Ahead Entertainment (MAE), the film festival is described as “a celebration of Black filmmakers rooted in HBCU culture,” with creative ambassador, executive producer and actress Marsai Martin being the face of the festival this year.
The festival featured panels, mixers and promotional activities designed to elevate the next generation of storytellers. The first day featured a lineup of events designed to spotlight student talent and industry excellence From the ‘First Look Student Films Marathon’ to ‘The Fire Inside: Masterclass with Lauren E. Banks,’ the day celebrated the next generation of filmmakers.
The day concluded with the Café Mocha Salute THEM Awards, a ceremony that for 15 years has honored more than 250 awardees from celebrities to everyday game-changers who embody the Mocha Cares Foundation’s mission. The ceremony begun the evening of Nov. 6, at the Howard Theatre. A red-carpet welcome preceded an evening honoring artists, including Ryan Coogler, Kenny Lattimore, Jasmine Crockett, Edna Kane Williams, Marsai Martin, Lynn Whitfield, Angel Georgia and Virginia Ali.
Howard University student photographers and journalists were invited to attend the event and ask honorees and influential figures questions on the red carpet.
Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kenny Lattimore, a Howard alumnus, spoke about how young inspiring artists can remain authentic in the competitive industry by staying rooted in their “why.”
“When I was at Howard, a beautiful artist, Denise Williams, said to me, ‘Nobody can be a better you.’” Lattimore said. “Always remember why you love what you do, and why you started this relationship with music. Stay in the authenticity of that so that no matter where the road takes you, you can still sit in the fact that I still love this.”
Emmy-winning actress and Howard alumna Lynn Whitfield was honored for her impact on the entertainment industry and for paving the way for Black women in the field. Whitfield reflected on the importance of representation in her career.
“I always said when I decided to be an actress, I wanted to be in things that would be remembered. I wanted to do roles where people would remember those human beginnings, so it’s an absolute honor,” Whitfield said.
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler, known for films such as “Black Panther,” “Creed,” and “Sinners,” accepted the Global Impact Award and spoke about maintaining creative integrity.
“It’s impossible not to be influenced. The world is big and loud. The thing you have to do is to hold on to your perspective with the noise and hold on to what you’re trying to say,” Coogler said. ”Your work is going to go out into the world, so it makes sense for the world to have some type of shaping on it. How much it has or doesn’t have is up to you.”
On Nov. 7, the festival’s second day featured on-campus events, including a luncheon hosted by Martin in the Blackburn Center and moderated by podcaster Loren LoRosa. Martin discussed her transition from starring in “Black-ish” to founding Genius Productions.
Whitfield also joined actor Keith Robinson for a conversation titled “A Thin Line Between Love & Success,” offering attendees insights into longevity and growth in the entertainment industry.
For students, the opportunity to engage with industry professionals was a highlight.
“It’s extremely important for creators like Marsai to come back to Howard and inspire the next generation,” said Jeremiah Hughes, a sophomore TV and film major from Houston.
“Seeing Marsai in person, interacting with her and realizing she’s human too makes me realize I can do these things as well,” Hughes said. “I just have to put in the time and effort.”
The festival concluded Nov. 8 with the My HBCU Joy Awards, hosted by comedian and radio personality Loni Love. The luncheon honored student filmmakers and recognized founder Sheila Eldridge for her contributions to the HBCU creative community.
From more than 550 film submissions, seven student finalists were selected for screening.
Third place went to “Meet the Family That Sticks Together” by Taylor Dews of Spelman College, who received $1,000. Howard student Serenity Owens earned second place and $2,500 for her film “Strut the Yard.” The first-place prize of $5,000 went to Chariq “Chazam” Clarke of Florida A&M University for “HIM+.”
Justin Banton, Florida State University alum and lead actor in Clarke’s film, said the opportunity was unexpected but deeply meaningful.
“I didn’t know I was going to be able to participate in the festival at all,” Banton said. “I just feel so grateful I got to work with Chariq. It’s really about the people in your lives who you can make art with.”
TV Producer Datari Turner closed the weekend with a fireside chat about navigating the entertainment industry as a Black professional.
“Enjoy the present. So many of us are always thinking about where we’re living in ourselves, but our brains are always in the future,” Turner said. “You can’t take the no’s personally. It doesn’t mean that you are not talented.
Students said the festival’s workshops and events provided valuable connections and inspiration.
Jordan Gray, a freshman film and television major from Louisville, Kentucky, attended all three days.
“It’s been such an amazing opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the craft of filmmaking. Here I learned not to wait for anyone; you have to go out and make a name for yourself,” Gray said.
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
