Atlanta, GA – July 15, 2024

The BronzeLens Film Festival (BLFF) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 15th annual event, which will take place from August 21-25, 2024, in Atlanta, GA. Known for showcasing the work of filmmakers of color, this year’s festival promises to continue its tradition of excellence while introducing exciting new elements.

Over the course of the five-day festival, BLFF will present nearly 150 films, including features, shorts, documentaries, international films, music videos, dance videos, and student films. These screenings will occur at the Tara Atlanta, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE. In addition to the diverse array of films, the festival will offer more than twenty workshops and panel discussions designed to educate, inspire, and entertain attendees.

A new highlight of this year’s festival is the Inaugural BronzeLens Filmmakers Ball, dubbed the “Sneaker Ball.” Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Film Entertainment & Nightlife, this festive event will debut at Atlanta City Hall on Saturday, August 24. This lively celebration honors the Atlanta and Georgia film community, featuring music, dancing, and a unique atmosphere that blends formal and casual elements.

Kathleen Bertrand, Executive Producer of BLFF, reflects on the festival’s evolution, “Each year we have been able to say that these films are the best we have ever seen. With stars like Jamie Foxx, Ben Crump, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Morris Chestnut as producers or executive producers, the quality of our selections is outstanding.”

When asked what goes into having a great film festival? “Having a talented and remarkable team is factor one, people that are dedicated and passionate about the work that we do. Factor two is having great films; we get submissions from all over the world because we appeal to stories created by and for people of color. We had films submitted from 59 countries. The decision to have a film at the festival gets harder each year because they all score so highly. Factor three is having great workshops. We have always strived to have activities, including workshops and panel discussions, that would educate, enlighten and also entertain. We have always known that we have to grow our film community.”

Bertrand also noted that the festival’s format has adapted due to external factors. “The pandemic led us to develop a virtual component, which has been running for three years now. This virtual aspect has broadened our reach, allowing us to showcase films globally.”

One significant change this year is the move of the Women’s Super Stars Honors Gala to March, a result of last year’s strikes. This adjustment elevated the gala to a standalone event highlighting women’s achievement. The change also paved the way for the new Filmmakers Ball. Both changes help to celebrate the film community in a fresh and engaging way.

The festival will culminate with the BronzeLens Awards Show at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College. The center, named after the iconic musician and located at 900 West End Ave SW, features the 650-seat Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall, among other state-of-the-art facilities.

Since its inception in 2009, the BronzeLens Film Festival has become a vital platform for filmmakers of color and has significantly contributed to Atlanta’s reputation as a thriving hub for the film industry. The festival’s impact is evident with accolades such as being named one of Film Freeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals and receiving the Best Showcase for New Filmmakers award from Atlanta Magazine in 2018.

Please visit the BronzeLens Film Festival website for more details about its mission and upcoming events or to register for the Fifteenth Anniversary edition.