By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 12, 2026

For 16 years, the BronzeLens Film Festival has served as a cultural cornerstone for filmmakers of color, bringing together artists, auFor more than a decade, the BronzeLens Film Festival has served as a cultural cornerstone for filmmakers of color, bringing together artists, audiences and industry professionals in Atlanta to celebrate stories that are often overlooked by mainstream Hollywood. This year, the Oscar-qualifying festival enters a new chapter—one marked by growth, transition and an expanded vision for the future.

At the center of that continued growth is Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand, one of the driving forces behind the festival’s mission to celebrate stories created by and about people of color. Based in Atlanta, BronzeLens was founded to share and applaud the many stories of people of color told through digital moving images. Since its founding, the organization has screened films from creators across the African diaspora and beyond, building a reputation as both a cultural institution and an advocate for diverse storytelling. Bertrand has emphasized BronzeLens’ commitment to educating, enlightening and entertaining audiences while providing a platform for filmmakers whose voices deserve greater visibility.

For the first time in its history, BronzeLens will unfold across two weekends, providing festivalgoers with additional opportunities to experience screenings, professional development workshops, networking events and special programs. The expanded format reflects the festival’s continued evolution and growing impact within Atlanta’s thriving film community.

The festival also enters a period of transition. The 2026 event marks the first since the retirement of Founding Artistic Director Deidre McDonald, whose curatorial vision helped shape BronzeLens into one of the nation’s premier showcases for diverse storytelling. Under McDonald’s leadership, the festival became known for presenting films that explored culture, identity, social justice and the shared experiences of communities around the world.

As BronzeLens moves forward, Jason Gregory assumes the role of Interim Director of Programming, helping guide the festival through its next phase while maintaining the organization’s commitment to elevating underrepresented voices.

A Fashion Icon Takes Center Stage

The festival opens with the world premiere of “Love, Patrick: Nothing is Impossible,” directed by The Horne Brothers. The documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of fashion designer Patrick Kelly, the first American admitted to the prestigious Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter in Paris.

The film explores Kelly’s groundbreaking impact on the fashion industry while examining themes of race, identity and perseverance. In tribute to the celebrated designer, festival organizers are encouraging attendees to arrive “Runway Ready” for opening night, creating a fitting celebration of a man whose bold creative vision reshaped the fashion world.

Spotlighting Emerging Voices

While marquee premieres help attract attention, BronzeLens has long built its reputation on supporting independent filmmakers and emerging talent.

Among this year’s notable selections is “The Text,” a short film written and directed by Kareemah, founder of Rare Maven Media. The film follows Tanya, an aspiring DJ who returns home for her best friend’s engagement party and finds herself facing a life-altering decision: remain in a troubled relationship or pursue the future she truly desires.

Produced by Rare Maven Media, “The Text” stars Zora Imani as Tanya and Cameron Bhola as Taj. The film is scheduled to screen Aug. 23 at the Tara Theatre, where audiences will have an opportunity to experience one of the independent projects representing the next generation of storytellers.

Projects such as “The Text” exemplify the role BronzeLens continues to play as a launchpad for creatives seeking visibility, industry access and meaningful audience engagement.

Building Careers Behind the Camera

BronzeLens has long distinguished itself by investing not only in completed films but also in the professional development of the people who make them. That commitment is reflected in this year’s Craft Day programming, designed to equip creatives with practical tools and industry knowledge.

Among the highlights is an Acting Master Class and Workshop led by acclaimed actress, director and producer Jasmine Guy.

Additional sessions include:

• Get Funded: Producing, Financing and Crowdfunding
• Blindsides, a blind table read presented by Black Script
• Below the Line: Careers That Build Black Cinema
• The ATL Effect: Capital, Culture and Craft
• From Page to Screen: The Writers and the Crew Who Build Black Cinema

Together, the programs emphasize the collaborative nature of filmmaking while exploring everything from financing and production to writing, acting and crew development.

Looking Ahead

As BronzeLens embraces its first two-weekend format and navigates a significant leadership transition, its core mission remains unchanged. Under the continued leadership of Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand, and with new programming leadership in place, the festival remains dedicated to creating opportunities for filmmakers of color to tell stories that inspire, challenge and connect audiences.

In a city that has emerged as a major center for film and television production, BronzeLens continues to offer something unique: a space where culture, creativity and community intersect. With expanded programming, industry-focused workshops, major premieres and emerging voices all sharing the spotlight, the festival appears poised to begin its next chapter while remaining true to the vision that has sustained it for years.

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