By: Charlese Watson Walker / M Williams
Following a powerful gathering in Atlanta, the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) hosted its 2026 Annual Summit on March 21 at the Loudermilk Conference Center, bringing together leading voices across film, television and digital media for a day of conversation, recognition and community.
This year’s summit, themed “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” spotlighted the collective strength driving Black women forward in the industry, featuring a fireside chat with S. Epatha Merkerson (moderated Lisa Respers France), six dynamic panels, and an awards luncheon honoring standout leaders across entertainment.
Top honorees included:
- S. Epatha Merkerson – On Her Shoulders Preservation Award
- Danielle Brooks – AcceleratHER Award
- Sheila Ducksworth – ProducHER Award
- Angela Cannon – PowerbrokHER Award
- Felicia Pride – StorytellHER Award
- Vanzil Burke – AmpliphiHER Award
By: Charlese Watson Walker / M Williams
The summit also introduced an inaugural Youth Track, expanded conversations around AI, branded content as a funding strategy, documentary filmmaking, and short-form storytelling, and continued its tradition of awarding scholarships to emerging creatives.
Sponsors and partners for the 2026 summit included NBCUniversal, AspireTV+, Amazon, Amazon Music, and Fulton Films, with product support from Camille Rose.
“As we move into our 30th year, we remain steadfast in our mission to preserve what has been and prepare the next generation for what’s to come,” said Chiquita Lockley, Board Chair of BWFN. “As the industry ebbs and flows, we look forward to remaining a steady foundation on which our members can grow in film, television and new media.”
Notably, during the luncheon, Merkerson announced a forthcoming contribution in support of BWFN’s 30th anniversary in 2027 — underscoring the organization’s lasting impact and continued momentum.
