Atlanta, GA – August 26, 2024

The 15th annual BronzeLens Film Festival (the Festival) culminated on Sunday evening, August 25, 2024, at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College, where The Rebel Girls, a film that resonated deeply with the audience, was honored with the prestigious Best in Festival award.

This powerful film tells the true story of the 1960s Civil Rights movement through the eyes of the young girls who revitalized it with their magical thinking, friendship, faith, and determination. It captivated audiences and earned a thunderous response inside the auditorium.

Nika King, who delivered a compelling performance in The Rebel Girls, was awarded Best Actress, further solidifying the film’s impact at the Festival.

The Best Actor Award was presented to Kevin Nichols for his leading role in the film,  A Little Hope for Chicago Directed by Leon Lozano. The film follows the journey of a grounded kid from inner-city Chicago transform into a young street hustler in pursuit of quick money, face the tough lessons that lifestyle brings, and ultimately grow into a reformed man, father, and college graduate.

The Festival paid tribute to the legendary Bill Duke with the Bronze Excellence in Acting & Visual Storytelling Award. Duke, an actor, director, producer, writer, and humanitarian, has devoted over 30 years to producing critically acclaimed film and television content through his company, Duke Media Entertainment. His dedication to bringing quality ‘edutainment’ to global audiences has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his recognition was a moment of deep respect and appreciation.

Another evening highlight was the presentation of the Andrew Young Cinema & Social Justice Award to How to Sue the Klan, directed by John Beder. This award acknowledges excellence in filmmaking and honors the legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young, a Civil Rights and Social Justice advocate.

The complete list of BronzeLens Award winners includes:

• Best Actor Award: Kevin Nichols – A Little Hope for Chicago – Directed by Leon Lozano
• Best Actress Award: Nika King – The Rebel Girls – Directed by Felicia D. Henderson
• Founder’s Award: Gil Robertson, IV
• Founder’s Award: Shaunya Chavis-Rucker
• Best Short Documentary Award: The Dancer: The Beautiful and Tragic Life of Gerald Alexander – Director Ryon Justin Horne and Tyson Alan Horne
• Best Documentary Award: A Time to Yell: More Than a Statue – Directed by Daniel B. Levin and Eric Newman
• Best Student Film: Grace – Directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris
• Best Web Video: – Our Voices,  Our Lives, Presents Therez Fleetwood – Directed by William Feagins, Jr.
• Best Music Video Award: Algorithm Takedown  – Directed by Alex Budovsky
• Best Dance Video Award: Burn from the Inside – Directed by Mthuthuzeli November
• Best International Feature Film: Kipemboi – Directed by Charles Uwagbai
• Best Feature Film: Albany Road – Directed by Christine Swanson
• Georgia Filmmaker Award: William Feagins, Jr.
• Andrew Young Cinema & Social Justice Award: How to Sue the Klan – Directed by John Beder
• Bronze Excellence in Acting & Visual Storytelling Award: Bill Duke

All of the award-winning films, along with over one hundred other screened films, are now available for virtual viewing on the BronzeLens website.

This exciting opportunity allows you to experience the magic of these films from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.

Please visit the official BronzeLens Film Festival website for more information about the Festival, its mission, and upcoming events.