Women’s Voices Now and its Youth Development program Girls’ Voices Now are supported by the Golden Globe Foundation.
Youth Filmmakers from the United States and around the globe have been selected for the 13th Annual BHERC Youth Diversity Film Festival – Streaming On BHERC TV
Youth filmmakers tackle the issues of the world creatively, reaching across languages, states, and
oceans to create cultural bonds, share their stories both dark and light, and renew their hopes for
a brighter future through film.
The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) announces the 13th
Annual Youth Diversity Film Festival (YDFF) Friday, March 3rd thru Sunday, March 12th, 2023.
Saturday March 4th an in-person opening day will take place at the Pacific Design Center’s Silver
Screen Theater, from 9:30am-3:30pm (8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069), as well as
online at www.BHERC.TV. BHERC has a core mission to recognize and support youth’s unique talents an
voices by providing and promoting this visual platform. Traditionally brought to the community
annually as live event – the YDFF continues both in live and in streaming format, which includes
24-hour access to th films and prime industry panels led by top entertainment professionals.
The March 4th Opening Ceremony event will include:
• 9:30 Continental Breakfast
• Red Carpet Event
• Introduction of the Filmmakers
• Sizzle reels of the featured films
• Expert Panels
• Featured Films
The BHERC YDFF is one of the longest-running youth film festivals to focus on diversity. Of the
1600 films submitted, this year’s festival will feature 130 of them, from 23 different countries around
the world Some of the countries represented in this year’s festival include: Australia, Brazil,
Cambodia, Canada, China France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, Philippines,
Portugal, Romania, South Africa Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, &
Venezuela. Also being featured, are program and schools from the LA area, such as:
• Washington Prep High School
• Urban Scholar Academy
• Women’s Voices Now Organization
• Youth Cinema Project
YDFF filmmakers share short narratives, animation, and docu-short films from various topics related
to what youth are experiencing today. YDFF goes beyond the definition of a festival by providing
guidance an life-changing experiences that go beyond filmmaking throughout the year. “There is a
trend in the filmmakin this year that focuses on compelling and emotional themes on issues of
mental health, social and economi issues, sci-fi, family and student life, environmental issues and
fantasy,” states Sandra Evers-Manly, BHER President. “Our goal is to celebrate our young
filmmakers, provide a cross-cultural experience and expos them to professionals in the industry. We
are delighted to provide this platform and spotlight their perseveranc and determination.”
A vital component of the festival is the panels. Set to provide mentorship and inside, real-time
real-life information and experience by some of the best professionals in the television and film
industries, BHERC YDFF will give once again the following industry panels as listed in the
following:
Founded in 1996 by Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC is a nonprofit, public benefit organization designe to
advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history and future of African Americans in
film an television. BHERC programs include film festivals, mentoring, book signings, script
readings, film an animation contests, scholarships, and other programs and special events.
Outgoing Director of the festival, Billie Green, had this to say, “I knew from the very beginning,
this wa a need for young people. I did my best to build something special with this festival, and
it has been fulfilling t see the growth of this festival and these young people over the years. And
I truly believe, by investing into th future of filmmaking, we can change the narrative of the
industry for years to come.”
BHERC invites young people from the US and across the globe, industry professionals, and th
community to join us for this great festival of incredible films from our youth. “The world has
changed, an continues to change, so much and so quickly. And so have the lenses of our youth. How
they choose to te their stories, especially with the new awareness around mental health, has been
remarkable. And the outgoin Director of the festival, Billie Green, deserves her roses for building
this into what it is.” states BHERC YDF Director Robert McCune. This is a powerful opportunity for
everyone. Take the time to log in and learn, b inspired, moved, gain insight from the filmmakers
and the films, as well as the industry-led panels.
Register online now at www.bherc.tv. Admission for the online festival: Festival Pass, $15.00
Adult, $5.00/Youth. Please Note All films and programs screen online at www.BHERC.TV.
For information about the BHERC YDFF festival, please contact Robert McCune, BHERC Yout Diversity
Film Festival at email: YDFF@bherc0.org or by phone: (925)727-6231. For information on all th
festival offers, visit our website at www.bherc.tv. For additional details about BHERC and all of
its programs visit www.bherc.org.
