From September 18-22, the Urbanworld Film Festival returned to New York City, showcasing narrative and documentary features, short films, spotlight screenings and conversations, and live staged screenplay readings. The DGA has been a sponsor of Urbanworld since 2000.
As part of the Guild's outreach efforts aimed at independent filmmakers, the DGA hosted a luncheon for Directors with entries in the festival on September 20. As the filmmakers gathered for the meet and greet in Manhattan, they were welcomed by DGA Assistant Executive Director Mary Hatch, who gave a brief overview of the Guild’s mission to protect the creative and economic rights of directors and members of the directorial team. Hatch then introduced Director Kasi Lemmons, whose new feature Harriet served as the festival’s Opening Night Spotlight film. Lemmons spoke to the attendees about the advantages of having an organization like the DGA behind you when filming. Urbanworld Film Festival Filmmaker Liaison Ashley Mui was also on hand to give tips about how to make the most of the opportunities provided by the festival.
In addition to Lemmons, other DGA members with projects screening during the festival included Directors Jamie Babbit (The First Wives Club), Destin Daniel Cretton (Just Mercy), Anton Cropper (Mixed-ish), Anthony Mandler (All Rise), Charles Murray (#Truth), A.V. Rockwell (Feathers), Roger Ross Williams (The Apollo), Daniel Willis (Wednesday) and Deon Taylor whose feature Black and Blue served as the festival’s Closing Night Spotlight film.
About the Festival
Founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes, the Urbanworld Film Festival is a five-day event that also includes panel discussions, and the Urbanworld Digital track focused on digital and social media. The Festival is an initiative of the Urbanworld Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to redefining the role of minorities in contemporary cinema and developing the urban filmmaking community.