Arts & Culture Entries Welcome for BHERC ‘Sistas’ Doin It’ Short Film Fest; The work of Black women directors from around the globe will be featured at the 29th Annual festival
February 17, 2022
LAWT News Service
The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center recently announced the "Call for Entries" for the 29th Annual "Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves" Short Film Festival taking place on Saturday, March 25, through Sunday, April 10, 2022.
Founded by academy member and producer Sandra J. Evers-Manly, BHERC's "Sistas" invites female filmmakers to submit their works for consideration to be showcased in what in a blending of contemporary and traditional films.
Stories from diverse and varied genres have been the delight of the global audience that attends the festival since pivoting to a virtual format. Film submissions are currently open, with submissions accepted through FilmFreeway. The entire festival takes place online on www.BHERC.TV due to COVID-19.
The submission deadline is Monday, February 28, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Films will be accepted online only at www.filmfreewaycom or on www.bherc.org/festivals. Every filmmaker may submit at least one movie or more for consideration.
All films should meet the following criteria:
• A Black female director must have completed them. Others may be on the project.
• The duration of the movie should not exceed 45 minutes in length.
• The films can be shot in any format, celluloid (S8, 16MM, 35MM ...) or digital.
• There is no age limit.
Explaining the reason for the festival, Evers-Manly said, “Although we have made some progress, it is apparent that there is an urgency for the Black female perspective in filmmaking. We cannot nor should not deny their power or progress. Moreover, the community should know and support our ‘sister sheroes’ as they tell our stories. This short film platform is an opportunity to do just that.”
Several well-known Black female directors have participated in the short film festival. Some of the filmmakers included Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, Shots Fired), Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou), Yvette Freeman (ER), Dianne Houston (first Black Female nominated for an Academy Award / Short Film category), and the Oscar-nominated Dee Rees (Mudbound). Festival panel sessions will offer guests a rare chance to dialogue and hear the how the “sistas” did it for themselves.