Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) closed out its inaugural Summit over the weekend with a special performance by “Empire” actress and singer, V. Bozeman. The event took place at the new TIME Restaurant & Lounge in Midtown, Atlanta and featured an awards ceremony and 40th anniversary screening of the Motown classic film, “Mahogany.”

Sherly Gripper and Panelist

Atlanta notables in attendance included Adrene Ashford (VH1’s Sorority Sisters), Judi Blair (Magic Mike), Keith Neal (Swirl Films), Sherly Riley Gripper (BWFN Founder), Saptosa Foster (135 Street Agency), Shante Bacon (BWFN Honoree 2015) and Tomika DePriest (BWFN Honoree 2015). Also spotted were several of the BWFNs filmmakers, panelists and special invited guests.

Winner One
This year’s BWFN winners included:

Best of Festival

“Your Love” – Directed by Laila Petrone

Best Short
“Q.U.E.E.N.” – Directed by Brittany Fennell

Best Director
“Black Girl in Paris”- Directed by Kiandra Parks

Audience Buzz Award
“Hands to the Sky” – Directed by Kimberly Townes

Audience Award
“Bristol Place” – Written by LaShunda Smith

Check out more photos below from the event:

Adrene Director with V. Bozeman

 VH1’s Sorority Sisters star Adrene Ashford/ BEFN’s Donald Woodard with V. Bozeman

Deidra McDonald and Shawn Mitchell

 BLFF’s Deidre McDonald with Shawn Evans Mitchell

Judi Blair and Keith SwirlFilms Shante and Saptosa

 Actress Judi Blair & Swirl Films’ Keith Neal/135th Street Agency’s Shante Bacon & Saptosa Foster 

Mahogany

 ‘Mahogany’ stars Diana Ross with Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Perkins 

Salah and V. Bozeman

 V. Bozeman with DJ Salah Ananse

filmmakers

 BWFN Filmmakers

Winner Two

 ‘Best Short’ winner Brittany Fennell (Q.U.E.E.N) with BWFN Founder Sheryl Riley Gripper 

Winner Three

Audience Buzz Award Winner Theo Perkins (Hands to the Sky) with Sheryl Riley Gripper

V. Bozeman singing

 V. Bozeman performing “Race Jones”

Photo Credits: Ray Cornelius

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