Relationships Matter: Bronzelens Film Festival developing the next generation of filmmakers.

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kathleen Bertrand.

Founder of the BronzeLens Film Festival, one of the nation's premier film festivals dedicated to showcasing filmmakers and storytellers of color. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, BronzeLens has spent more than 15 years creating opportunities for diverse voices in film, television, documentaries, animation, music videos, and digital media.

The discussion explores the origins of BronzeLens, Atlanta's role in the film industry, filmmaking opportunities, networking, social justice storytelling, and how vision, relationships, and persistence transformed an idea into a globally recognized cultural institution.

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Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview was to:

• Highlight the impact of the BronzeLens Film Festival.
• Discuss opportunities for filmmakers of color.
• Explain how the festival was created.
• Showcase Atlanta's emergence as a film production hub.
• Promote the 15th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival.
• Encourage aspiring creators to tell their stories.
• Demonstrate the power of relationships and community building.

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About BronzeLens Film Festival

BronzeLens Film Festival was founded to ensure that creators of color have access to:

• Visibility
• Industry connections
• Networking opportunities
• Educational resources
• Film exhibition platforms

The festival serves filmmakers from:

• Atlanta
• The Southeast
• Across the United States
• Around the world

Its mission is to help storytellers gain opportunities in an industry where access has historically been limited.

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Why BronzeLens Was Created

Kathleen explained that the idea originated while she was a senior executive at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The catalyst came from then-CEO William Pate, who asked an important question:

"Why doesn't Atlanta have something like Sundance for the African American community?"

At the time:

• Georgia's film industry was rapidly expanding.
• Major productions were increasingly choosing Atlanta.
• Tyler Perry Studios was growing.
• Opportunities were emerging for filmmakers.

However, there was no major platform dedicated to connecting filmmakers of color with those opportunities.

Kathleen took that challenge seriously.

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Building the Vision

After receiving the challenge, Kathleen spent months:

• Researching film festivals.
• Studying successful models.
• Meeting with local filmmakers.
• Identifying gaps in the market.

She sought advice from respected Atlanta professionals including:

Cheryl Gripper

Former executive at 11Alive and community leader.

Deirdre McDonald

Emmy Award-winning producer and educator who became BronzeLens' Artistic Director.

Together they built the foundation for what would become BronzeLens.

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The Importance of Atlanta

BronzeLens is deeply connected to Atlanta's identity.

According to Kathleen:

Atlanta is now one of America's leading centers for:

• Film production
• Television production
• Creative talent
• Entertainment entrepreneurship

The festival was designed to ensure that people of color participated in that growth.

Key Point: BronzeLens exists to help diverse storytellers claim a place in Atlanta's booming entertainment economy.

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How the Name BronzeLens Was Created

One fascinating story from the interview involved the festival's name.

The original proposed name was:

Bronze Jubilee Film Festival

After presenting the concept to executives from Turner Broadcasting, feedback suggested the name needed improvement.

A professional naming company was brought in.

After several weeks, they proposed:

BronzeLens

Kathleen immediately knew it was the right choice.

The name represented:

• Bronze communities worldwide
• Storytelling
• Film
• Creativity
• Perspectives through a lens

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The Festival's Growth

The first BronzeLens event launched in 2010 with:

• 23 films
• Community support
• Industry participation
• Strong local engagement

Since then the festival has expanded dramatically.

Today it attracts:

• Independent filmmakers
• Producers
• Industry executives
• Celebrities
• Students
• Film enthusiasts

from across the globe.

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Academy Award Qualifying Status

One of the festival's most significant accomplishments is becoming:

An Academy Awards Qualifying Film Festival

Since 2016, BronzeLens has held Oscar-qualifying status for short films.

This means:

• Winners of specific categories become eligible for Oscar consideration.
• Filmmakers gain national and international visibility.
• The prestige of the festival increases significantly.

Key Point: BronzeLens serves as a potential pathway toward Academy Award recognition.

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BronzeLens 2024 Festival Highlights

The festival runs:

August 21-25

Features include:

• Film screenings
• Industry panels
• Workshops
• Networking sessions
• Awards ceremonies
• Filmmaker events

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More Than 140 Films

The festival showcases over:

140 Films

Covering topics such as:

• Social justice
• Comedy
• Relationships
• Mental health
• Religion
• Spirituality
• History
• Culture

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Celebrity-Connected Projects

Kathleen noted that several submitted films included involvement from notable entertainment figures and producers.

Among them:

• Jamie Foxx
• Jamie Lee Curtis
• Morris Chestnut
• Ben Crump
• Deborah Riley Draper

Their participation demonstrates the growing credibility and reach of the festival.

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Cinema and Social Justice Sunday

One of BronzeLens' most important tradition