Showcasing Africa’s Narrative Storytelling Talent

OCTOBER 8, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz AfroPoP 17 to Include Narrative Features My first visit to Africa was a business trip in 2007. I’ll cherish those memories for the rest of my life. Upon return, I recall wishing every Black person living here could have that opportunity, at least once. […]

Why Black Political Documentaries Matter

poster for the body politic documentary

OCTOBER 1, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Last Friday, I moderated a post-screening Q&A at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City. The occasion reminded me why Black political documentaries matter. Filmmakers Dawne Langford and Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough were there to discuss their latest film, The Body Politic, which airs […]

This Fall, BE HEARD!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Happy Fall! If you read last week’s Weekly Dispatch by my colleague Denise Greene, you know that we are in the midst of our latest BE HEARD social media campaign, #ShopLikeNana. Stream it on our TikTok and Instagram channels. You’ll also find it on […]

Are You Ready for BPM’s Open Call?

AUGUST 27 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Denise Greene I always look forward to the end of summer because for me and the rest of the BPM programming team it signals the start of a new year. September is when we issue BPM’s Open Call. This year, the submissions portal will open on Sept. […]

Nurturing Young Talent

graphic with stars of many colors and photo of black woman in black crewneck shirt

I am a living example of what can happen when organizations commit to nurturing young talent. When I first came to BPM in 2001, I was …

Why We Support BlackStar

JULY 30, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz The BlackStar Film Festival is celebrating its 13th season this week. Running Aug. 1-4 in downtown Philadelphia, the slate includes dozens of indie film screenings – both narrative and documentary – panel discussions, virtual screenings, and several social gatherings. BPM’s director of programs, Denise […]