A Saturday Celebration of Film, Vision and Black Women Storytellers
This Saturday, August 22, 2026, Beverly Hills becomes a destination for cinema, culture and emerging creative voices as the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center presents its 33rd Annual “Sistas Are Doin’ It For Themselves” Short Film Showcase at the Writers Guild Theater.
From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., audiences will experience an impressive collection of 27 short films created by emerging Black women filmmakers, spanning drama, comedy, documentary, horror, magical realism and social commentary.
Gina Prince-Bythewood Takes Center Stage
Award-winning filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood will close the day by sharing professional and creative insights from a career that has helped redefine representation in Hollywood.
The acclaimed director behind Love & Basketball, The Old Guard and The Woman King is preparing for another major cinematic moment with Children of Blood and Bone, scheduled for theatrical and IMAX release January 15, 2027.
Her appearance gives emerging filmmakers and movie lovers an opportunity to hear directly from a filmmaker whose work consistently places powerful, multidimensional women—particularly Black women—at the center of cinematic storytelling.
Conversations Beyond the Screen
Trailblazing sound editor Bobbi Banks will moderate filmmaker conversations following each of the showcase’s four film blocks. Banks made history as the first African American and fourth woman to serve as president of Motion Picture Sound Editors.
The discussions will explore creative vision, filmmaking challenges, production experiences and what these rising directors hope to accomplish next.
Why Attend This Saturday?
- Experience 27 original films from emerging Black women directors.
- Hear Gina Prince-Bythewood discuss creativity, perseverance and her Hollywood journey.
- Join Bobbi Banks and filmmakers for conversations following four screening blocks.
- Discover new voices across drama, comedy, documentary, horror and more.
- Network with filmmakers and entertainment professionals throughout the day.
- Celebrate 33 years of BHERC creating opportunities for Black filmmakers.
Event Details
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Writers Guild Theater
135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Reception immediately following.
Admission: $40 day pass | $20 individual film block
Students & Seniors: $30 day pass | $15 individual film block
Tickets and event information: www.BHERC.org
Proceeds support BHERC’s educational and filmmaker-development programs.
For film enthusiasts, aspiring creators and supporters of diverse storytelling, Saturday offers more than screenings—it is an opportunity to witness the next generation of Hollywood storytellers taking their place in the spotlight.
Report by Lela Christine
The Power Player Lifestyle Magazine
https://thepowerplayermag.com/
