Events
BWFN Celebrates 28 Years of Impact & 10 Years of the Summit with Plot Twist: The Art of The Pivot
For nearly three decades, Black Women Film Network (BWFN) has been a beacon of empowerment, elevating Black women in film, television, and the entertainment industry at large. This year, BWFN proudly marks a monumental milestone 28 years of serving the community and 10 years of programming the BWFN Summit. This decade of the Summit is a testament to our mission to preserve and prepare, ensuring that Black women voices, stories, and talents continue to shape the industry.
As we celebrate this historic moment, we present a powerful lineup of honorees and thought-provoking discussions centered around our 2025 theme: Plot Twist: The Art of The Pivot
Change is inevitable, but the way we navigate it defines our journey. This year, we shine a spotlight on how Black women are successfully pivoting, transforming challenges into triumphs, and redefining the entertainment landscape.
Honoring Excellence: Our 2025 Honorees
Each year, BWFN recognizes extraordinary women whose work not only breaks barriers but also uplifts and inspires future generations.
AJA NAOMI KING AcceleratHER Award
A celebrated actress, producer, and activist, Aja Naomi King has captivated audiences with her performances in How to Get Away with Murder, Birth of a Nation, and Lessons in Chemistry, earning multiple NAACP Image and Critics Choice nominations. This year, she makes her return as a series regular in NBC Grosse Pointe Garden Society, continuing to push boundaries in the industry.
KATORI HALL StorytellHER Award
A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, and showrunner, Katori Hall is a force in storytelling. From her award-winning plays like The Mountaintop and The Hot Wing King to the critically acclaimed TV series P-Valley, Hall work is a masterclass in the power of narrative.
ANGI BONES ProducHER Award
As President of Original Programming at Tyler Perry Studios, Angi Bones has been instrumental in shaping some of todays biggest productions. From the Oscar-nominated The Six Triple Eight to the highly anticipated 2025 releases Madea’s Destination Wedding and Duplicity, Bones continues to drive representation and innovation in entertainment.
DENISE WILLIAMS WATTS Beacon Award
A visionary leader in music and media, Denise Williams Watts serves as the Global Editorial Director of Original Content at Apple Music. Her dynamic career spans Warner Records, the Belize International Film Festival, and her work as a co-founder of Honorable Women in Media (HWIM), creating space for women executives to uplift and inspire one another.
FELICIA JOSEPH RainmakHER Award
With a stellar career in casting, Felicia Joseph is a driving force at Disney Entertainment Television, curating talent for top series like Abbott Elementary and 9-1-1. A Hampton University alum, Joseph has left her mark across NBCUniversal, MRC, and beyond, shaping the future of storytelling.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Panels & Conversations
This years Summit will feature industry leaders, creatives, and executives discussing key insights and opportunities in entertainment, including:
NBC Universal Panel featuring Aja Naomi King
Fireside Chat with Duplicity star Kat Graham
The Pen Game: Fireside Chat with Foundâ Co-Showrunner Sonay Hoffman
Switch Up The Pitch with the Reel Divas
Spinning The Story: PR & Marketing
Transformation Station: Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe
Same Bag, Different Hustle: Funding Your Project + Distribution
Representation & Foundation: Attorneys, Agents, Managers
Speed Interviews & Headshot Opportunities
Attendees can engage with industry executives during speed interviews with NBCUniversal and take advantage of professional headshots provided by AspireTV+.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This year milestone event would be possible without the generous support of NBCUniversal, Fulton Films, and AspireTV+, Powered by CVENT. Your commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in entertainment helps make BWFN mission a reality.
Event Details
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Loudermilk Center, 40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Time: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tickets & Registration: Click Here
Join Us as We Celebrate, Elevate, and Pave the Way for the Future of Entertainment!
From storytelling to producing, casting, and creating space for the next generation, Black women are leading the charge in redefining Hollywood. The BWFN Summit 2025 is more than an event it’s a movement.
Don’t miss this transformative celebration of talent, resilience, and the power of the pivot. See you there!
