BronzeLens Film Festival

What BronzeLens Film Festival does

BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that operates an annual multi-day film festival in Atlanta, Georgia (16th annual scheduled August 20–24, 2025), supplemented by year-round programming including signature events such as the Women SuperStars Honors, Sunday Brunch with the Brothers, and Reel Power: Her Vision, Her Voice. Its mission is to promote Atlanta as a center for film production for people of color and to showcase films by independent filmmakers of color while developing the next generation of filmmakers through workshops, panels, scholarships, and networking opportunities.

The festival serves four primary stakeholder groups: filmmakers of color (primary customer, both emerging and established); film and television industry professionals seeking diverse talent (Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures, Tyler Perry Studios, HBO, NBC/Universal, BET, VH1); entertainment media; and next-generation/aspiring filmmakers. Core products include the annual festival exhibition (79–180+ films annually, drawn globally via Film Freeway), Academy Award Qualifying Short Film screenings (designated since 2016), the Women SuperStars Honors (70+ women honored since inception), Sunday Brunch with the Brothers panel, PowerHouse Conversations, the Creators Scholarship, Page to Screen Book Club, Cinema and Social Justice Sunday, and ARRAY partnership screenings.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue structure combining: (1) festival passes and event tickets sold via Eventive, (2) tax-deductible donations of $10+ via PayPal and Cash App ($BronzeLensFF), (3) the BOSS (BronzeLens Official Super Supporter) sustaining membership program, and (4) corporate sponsorships from partners including the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tara Theatre, BLACC/AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Visit Eastpoint. Distribution is event-driven: physical festival and SuperStars Weekend attendance, global film submissions via Film Freeway, and digital ticketing through Eventive. Technology infrastructure is minimal — no proprietary platform — relying on Eventive for ticketing, Film Freeway for submissions, and a Digigor-built website. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by W. Imara Canady and led operationally by Executive Producer and Founder Kathleen Bertrand.

Name

BronzeLens Film Festival

Legal name

BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Inc.

Website

https://bronzelens.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 that operates an annual film festival and year-round programming showcasing independent filmmakers of color, connecting them with major studio decision-makers, and offering Academy Award Qualifying Short Film screenings, signature honors events, scholarships, and networking in Atlanta.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent Film Festival (Nonprofit)

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Film Festivals & Festival Organizers (MPADAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Arts & Culture Community Festivals (Multidisciplinary Arts Weeks) (MPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Film festival production
• Independent film showcase
• Filmmaker networking events
• Diversity film programming
• Nonprofit film organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Festival Passes and Tickets: Revenue generated from selling passes and tickets to the annual festival, SuperStars Weekend events including Women SuperStars Honors and Sunday Brunch with the Brothers.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions through PayPal and Cash App ($BronzeLensFF). The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
3. Sponsorships: Revenue from major sponsors and partners including Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tara Theatre, BLACC/AHF, and Visit Eastpoint.
4. BOSS Membership: BronzeLens Official Super Supporter (BOSS) sustaining membership program valid for one year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

BronzeLens Film Festival produces an annual multi-day film festival in Atlanta showcasing independent films by filmmakers of color, complemented by year-round signature events (Women SuperStars Honors, Sunday Brunch with the Brothers, Reel Power, PowerHouse Conversations, Cinema and Social Justice Sunday, Page to Screen Book Club), workshops, industry panels, and scholarship programs. The 16th annual festival is scheduled for August 20-24, 2025, with passes and tickets sold via Eventive and films submitted globally via Film Freeway. The 501(c)(3) non-profit also sustains a BOSS (BronzeLens Official Super Supporter) membership program and accepts tax-deductible donations.

Product overview

BronzeLens Film Festival operates as a single unified annual event supplemented by year-round programming. The core product is the annual BronzeLens Film Festival featuring film screenings, workshops, panels, and networking events. Key signature events include the Women SuperStars Honors (annual award ceremony), Sunday Brunch with the Brothers (industry panel), and Reel Power: Her Vision, Her Voice (prelude event). Supporting programs include the Creators Scholarship, Page to Screen Book Club, and Social Justice Sunday screenings. The festival also participates in ARRAY's grassroots film distribution network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Reel Power: Her Vision, Her Voice: A prelude event for the Women SuperStars Honors featuring panel discussions with leading women in film and television.
• Sunday Brunch with the Brothers
• Women SuperStars Honors
• PowerHouse Conversations
• Cinema and Social Justice Sunday
• Page to Screen Book Club

Products and services

• BronzeLens Film Festival (Annual) Annual multi-day film festival celebrating independent filmmakers of color, featuring film screenings, workshops, panels, and networking events. The 16th annual festival is scheduled for August 20-24, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, and typically screens 79-180+ films with 17+ workshops.
• Women SuperStars Honors Annual signature event honoring exceptional women of color in film and television, featuring award presentations and a ceremony. Since its inception, BronzeLens has honored over 70 women of color in film and television through the Women SuperStars Honors program. The 2026 edition is scheduled at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University.
• Sunday Brunch with the Brothers Signature panel event featuring men of color who work in the television and film industry, sharing insights on success and overcoming adversity, with audience Q&A sessions. Part of SuperStars Weekend programming, scheduled for March 2026 at venues including the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
• Reel Power: Her Vision, Her Voice Prelude panel event for Women SuperStars Honors featuring panel discussions with leading women in film and television, addressing trends and challenges facing women in entertainment.
• PowerHouse Conversations Panel series featuring conversations with top TV and film executives, providing networking and mentorship opportunities for emerging filmmakers of color.
• Creators Scholarship Scholarship program supporting emerging filmmakers of color, with recipients announced annually as part of BronzeLens's mission to develop the next generation of filmmakers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2018 BLFF Best Short 'Wale' reached Oscars Best Short top 10
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ARRAY (African American Film Festival Releasing Movement)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010BronzeLens was invited as a charter member of ARRAY (originally AFFRM) after the 2010 festival. ARRAY is a film distribution network founded by Ava DuVernay. BronzeLens has screened 21 documentaries and features through this grassroots distribution network.
• Atlanta Convention & Visitors BureaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACVB incubated BLFF for its launch in 2010 and its next 5 festivals. The concept was originated by ACVB President William Pate. Kathleen Bertrand, then Sr. VP at ACVB, conducted feasibility study and launched the festival.
• WarnerBrothers DiscoverymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor industry partner participating in BronzeLens events and panels. Jeanine Armstrong from Warner Brothers Discovery serves on the Board of Directors.
• Tyler Perry StudiosmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor studio partner that has participated in BronzeLens programming and events.
• Sony PicturesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor studio partner. Sony Pictures presented 'DEVOTION' clips and conversation with director JD Dillard as a BronzeLens 2022 exclusive event.
• HBOmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner participating in BronzeLens programming and panels.
• NBC/Universal FilmsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner participating in BronzeLens programming and events.
• BETmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner participating in BronzeLens events.
• VH1majorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner participating in BronzeLens events.
• PanavisionmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner providing equipment and support for BronzeLens events.
• Georgia State University (Rialto Center for the Arts)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Women SuperStars Honors. Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University is the venue for the 2026 Superstars Honors event.
• Georgia TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for BronzeLens programming and workshops.
• Emory UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for BronzeLens programming and workshops.
• Atlanta University Center CollegesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHBCU partner including Spelman College and other AUC institutions for workshops and student programming.
• National Center for Civil and Human RightsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for BronzeLens programming and screenings.
• Hammonds HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for BronzeLens programming and cultural events.
• Tara TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTheatre venue partner for BronzeLens events.
• BLACC/AIDS Healthcare FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBLACC (Black AIDS Crisis Coalition) partnership for community outreach. W. Imara Canady, Chair of the Board, is from AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
• Visit EastpointminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism partner supporting BronzeLens events.
• Film FreewaycoreTechnology or IntegrationFilm submission portal used globally to receive submissions from filmmakers worldwide. BronzeLens has been recognized as Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival by Film Freeway every year since 2017.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• New York African Diaspora Film Festival (NYADFF): Long-running NYC festival showcasing films by and about people of African descent and the global African diaspora. Direct peer — both are non-profit festivals with mission-aligned programming, panel discussions, and filmmaker networking components focused on diaspora filmmakers.
• American Black Film Festival (ABFF): ABFF is a premier destination for Black filmmakers and content creators, held annually in Miami. Direct peer — both target filmmakers and industry professionals of color, run industry workshops and panels, and are positioned as talent discovery platforms for Hollywood. ABFF has deeper studio sponsorship ties, making it a closer rival for sponsor dollars.
• Urbanworld Film Festival: Urbanworld is a NYC-based film festival focused on multicultural and urban content creators. Direct peer — both curate diverse filmmaker content, host industry panels, and target audiences seeking representation in cinema. Both compete for the same submission pool of independent filmmakers of color.
• CAAMFest (Center for Asian American Media Fest): CAAMFest is the largest showcase for Asian American and Pacific Islander cinema, held in San Francisco. Direct peer — comparable non-profit festival model with year-round programming, filmmaker development focus, and mission-driven representation goals for an underrepresented community in film.
• Pan African Film Festival (PAFF): PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the U.S., held annually in Los Angeles. It is a direct peer — both are non-profit cultural festivals dedicated to showcasing films by and about people of African descent, with year-round programming and Oscar-qualifying status. PAFF's scale (larger budget, longer history) makes it the most directly comparable but larger counterpart.
• BlackStar Film Festival: Philadelphia-based annual festival showcasing films by Black, African, and African diaspora filmmakers. Direct peer — both operate as non-profit cultural festivals with year-round programming and a mission-driven focus on Black cinematic storytelling. Comparable scale and similar founding era (BlackStar launched in 2012).

Regional players

• Atlanta Film Festival: Atlanta Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Southeast, also Oscar-qualifying. Regional peer — operates in the same Atlanta market with overlapping audience and sponsor base, but is not diversity-focused. Direct competition for local tourism dollars, venue partners, and Atlanta-based filmmaker attention.

Broad incumbents

• Sundance Film Festival: Sundance is the largest U.S. independent film festival, run by the Sundance Institute. Broad incumbent — overlaps in independent film curation and filmmaker development, but operates at vastly larger scale with broader thematic coverage. Competes for sponsor attention and submission quality in the indie space.
• SXSW Film Festival: SXSW is a major multi-track festival in Austin covering film, music, and technology. Broad incumbent — overlaps in indie film programming, diversity-focused content tracks, and industry networking, but at much larger scale. Represents an adjacent competitor for sponsor mindshare and filmmaker submissions.

Emerging players

• ARRAY (Ava DuVernay's distribution collective): ARRAY is a film distribution and advocacy collective founded by Ava DuVernay. Emerging player — BronzeLens is a charter member, but ARRAY itself is also an ally/distribution partner that amplifies the same mission. ARRAY's growth into production and theatrical release represents both a partnership opportunity and a directional shift in the ecosystem BronzeLens operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BronzeLens
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCSfNgriUlAdtghCsPN_53CQ/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/Bronzelens
• Instagraminstagram.com/BronzeLens

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BronzeLens Film Festival