Third Annual HBCU First Look Film Festival

Celebrates Actresses Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin and Renowned Filmmaker Ryan Coogler 

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival will officially kick off at the legendary Howard Theater, where Martin and the seminal award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield will be honored at Cafe Mocha Radio’s 15th Anniversary Salute THEM Awards. Acclaimed writer, director and producer Ryan Coogler will receive the inaugural HBCU First LOOK “I Aspire“ Global Impact Award presented in partnership with Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts. This presentation holds profound significance for the Howard University community, as it celebrates not only Coogler’s groundbreaking contributions to global cinema but also honors his powerful creative partnership with the esteemed late Chadwick Boseman, an alumnus of Howard University. Coogler and Boseman’s contributions to Black Panther set new industry standards for representation, while also becoming an emblem of cultural pride, ambition, and artistic excellence. This aligns perfectly with the HBCU First LOOK Festival’s commitment to “Elevate Future Storytellers.”

Additional honorees include Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), AARP EVP/Chief Diversity Officer Edna Kane Williams, philanthropist Angel Gregorio and award nominated R&B star Kenny Lattimore.

Now in its third year, the HBCUFLF offers a unique blend of ‘fireside chats’ and panel discussions with diverse perspectives in filmmaking, production, storytelling, acting, talent representation, AI/digital media and distribution, etc. Participating HBCU ‘alumni and allies’ include award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield; “P. Valley” star J. Alphonse Nicholson, “Chicago P.D.” actor LaRoyce Hawkins, supervising producer of Peacock’s “Bel-Air” Felicia Pride; “The Penguin” and “Fight Night” writer Shaye Ogbonna; M88 talent manager Oronde Garrett (Taraji Henson, Marsai Martin); film producers Phil Thornton (“Unexpected Christmas,” “Luther: Never Too Much) and Datari Turner, Foxxhole Productions and MegaMind Media founder and film producer Tressa Smallwood. For tickets and the latest on all HBCU First LOOK Film Festival speakers, and festival schedule download the HBCUFirstLOOK App and visit www.hbcufirstlook.com.