Trailblazin’ Ain’t for the Faint of Heart

I love BPM’s annual PitchBLACK Forum & Awards program. It is just such a joy to celebrate those whose work is about widening the narrative of who we are and all the many ways we show up in this world. I especially enjoy shining a spotlight on our BPM Trailblazers — media makers who’ve not only produced exceptional work, but who’ve bothered to encourage, guide and create opportunities for others. This year, it is our honor to bestow the BPM Trailblazer Award on Lillian E. Benson, ACE. She, like those who’ve come before her, knows that trailblazin’ ain’t for the faint of heart. 

Today, women editors, especially in the upper echelons of the film industry, remain few and far between. Even rarer, are women editors of African descent. The American Cinema Editors was founded in 1950, but it wasn’t until Lillian came along, that it extended membership to her, its first woman of color, in 1992. Over time, she’s distinguished herself not only for the quality and breadth of her work, but also for the attention she has paid to ensuring her profession is better off than she found it. We encourage you to meet and celebrate her in person at the PitchBLACK Awards.

Trailblazer Retrospective

This year’s BPM Trailblazer Retrospective will feature six films from Benson’s extensive catalog. They include: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise; Alvin Ailey: Beyond the Steps; The Taste of Dirt; and two episodes of Eyes on the Prize: Keys to the Kingdom (Part 13) and The Promised Land (Part 10). I encourage you to log onto our website sometime during the two-week screening period (April 28-May 1) to explore her artistry and skill. But I also hope you will join us on Thurs., May 1, when we will salute her during the PitchBLACK Awards. NPR’s Brittany Luse will interview her during the ceremony’s Artist’s Chat and we’ll screen a short film by Okema Moore featuring excerpts of Lillian’s work and conversations with those who’ve worked with her. 

So, if you haven’t already purchased your ticket, make sure you get it before they’re gone. Black art and creativity are under assault right now. Our artists and their allies need to stand together in supporting this work.  We look forward to having you join us as we celebrate Lillian and the other creatives whose work we’re showcasing at PitchBLACK.