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Relationships Matter: Bronzelens Film Festival developing the next generation of filmmakers.
· 30 min
Episode Relationships Matter: Bronzelens Film Festival developing the next generation of filmmakers.
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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kathleen Bertrand.
Founder of the BronzeLens Film Festival, one of the nation's premier film festivals dedicated to showcasing filmmakers and storytellers of color. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, BronzeLens has spent more than 15 years creating opportunities for diverse voices in film, television, documentaries, animation, music videos, and digital media.
The discussion explores the origins of BronzeLens, Atlanta's role in the film industry, filmmaking opportunities, networking, social justice storytelling, and how vision, relationships, and persistence transformed an idea into a globally recognized cultural institution.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview was to:
• Highlight the impact of the BronzeLens Film Festival. • Discuss opportunities for filmmakers of color. • Explain how the festival was created. • Showcase Atlanta's emergence as a film production hub. • Promote the 15th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival. • Encourage aspiring creators to tell their stories. • Demonstrate the power of relationships and community building.
About BronzeLens Film Festival
BronzeLens Film Festival was founded to ensure that creators of color have access to:
• Visibility • Industry connections • Networking opportunities • Educational resources • Film exhibition platforms
The festival serves filmmakers from:
• Atlanta • The Southeast • Across the United States • Around the world
Its mission is to help storytellers gain opportunities in an industry where access has historically been limited.
Why BronzeLens Was Created
Kathleen explained that the idea originated while she was a senior executive at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The catalyst came from then-CEO William Pate, who asked an important question:
"Why doesn't Atlanta have something like Sundance for the African American community?"
At the time:
• Georgia's film industry was rapidly expanding. • Major productions were increasingly choosing Atlanta. • Tyler Perry Studios was growing. • Opportunities were emerging for filmmakers.
However, there was no major platform dedicated to connecting filmmakers of color with those opportunities.
Kathleen took that challenge seriously.
Building the Vision
After receiving the challenge, Kathleen spent months:
• Researching film festivals. • Studying successful models. • Meeting with local filmmakers. • Identifying gaps in the market.
She sought advice from respected Atlanta professionals including:
Cheryl Gripper
Former executive at 11Alive and community leader.
Deirdre McDonald
Emmy Award-winning producer and educator who became BronzeLens' Artistic Director.
Together they built the foundation for what would become BronzeLens.
The Importance of Atlanta
BronzeLens is deeply connected to Atlanta's identity.
According to Kathleen:
Atlanta is now one of America's leading centers for:
• Film production • Television production • Creative talent • Entertainment entrepreneurship
The festival was designed to ensure that people of color participated in that growth.
Key Point: BronzeLens exists to help diverse storytellers claim a place in Atlanta's booming entertainment economy.
How the Name BronzeLens Was Created
One fascinating story from the interview involved the festival's name.
The original proposed name was:
Bronze Jubilee Film Festival
After presenting the concept to executives from Turner…
Links in the notes 4
Transcript
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