ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join the American Cinematheque for New Black Hollywood, is a biannual cultural gathering spotlighting emerging Black filmmakers and rising Black industry leaders working across today’s entertainment landscape. Hosted at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the evening brings together filmmakers, executives, producers, creatives, and film lovers for a program that blends conversation, discovery and community.

This event is co-presented by community partners Scene & Heard, Minorities in Film and Hollywood Pivot.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS: 

Michael Oloyede (moderator) – Michael Oloyede is a Nigerian American Emmy (NY Regional) nominated actor, producer, and Webby Award–winning creator working across film, television, and theater. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony award winning hit Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Beyond performance, Oloyede is a cultural architect and community builder. He helped launch The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon, and co-founded The Lay Out, a globally celebrated cultural gathering rooted in joy and connection.

He is also the founder of Scene & Heard, a fast-growing creative platform uplifting underrepresented voices through staged readings, development programs, and community experiences that connect artists with industry leaders.

Erica Mann (panelist) – Drama Series & Scripted Co-Production at Amazon MGM Studios

James Swoope (panelist) – Talent Manager at M88

Lorelle Lynch (panelist) – Development and Production Executive

ABOUT THE FILMS:

“Paradise,” 2023, Dir. child, 4 Mins

In “Paradise,” Director child crafts a lyrical portrait of Crenshaw, tracing the dreamy spirit of Black life through a kaleidoscopic blend of archival footage, intimate street vignettes, and the soul-stirring soundscape of producer and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin. Memory and present-day moments fold into one another, revealing a neighborhood alive with rhythm, resilience, and quiet transcendence.

FORMAT: DCP

“When Big People Lie,” 2024, Dir. Gianfranco Fernandez-Ruiz, 14 Mins

Hurt by his mother’s lies on the whereabouts of his biological father, an eight-year-old must choose between outing her to US immigration authorities or lying to save her sham marriage that’s been keeping their family afloat.

FORMAT: DCP

“ZEKE,” 2025, Dir. Kerry Coddett, 20 Mins

ZEKE is a dark satire about a trusted barbershop owner who betrays a loyal client, forcing him to confront the culture of silence that pervades their Brooklyn community.

FORMAT: DCP

“Wednesdays with Gramps,” 2026, Dir. Chris & Justin Copeland, 8 Mins

When a teenage boy visits his Gramps at a seemingly mundane boring assisted living facility, he comes to find that they have much more in common than he thought. “Wednesdays with Gramps” is a story about connection, communication, and commonality, without say a word.

FORMAT: DCP

“Play Hard,” 2024, Dir. Winter Dunn, 13 Mins

Nate, a workaholic drummer, spends all his time practicing, striving for perfection. After meeting Yazmine, a dedicated modern dancer, he realizes that the key to success isn’t just hard work – it’s knowing when to play hard, too.

FORMAT: DCP