Celebrating Black Women in Film: The 2026 Black Women Film Network Summit

The annual Black Women Film Network (BWFN) summit, scheduled for March 21, 2026, at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center, will honor notable figures in the entertainment industry, including S. Epatha Merkerson and Danielle Brooks. Merkerson will receive the On Her Shoulders Preservation award, recognized for her iconic role as Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC’s “Law & Order” and her award-winning performance in “Lackawanna Blues.” Currently, she stars in NBC’s “Chicago Med.” Brooks will be honored with the AcceleratHER Award for her impactful contributions across television, film, and Broadway, including her SAG-winning role as Taystee in “Orange is the New Black” and her Tony-nominated performance in “The Color Purple.”

Variety Magazine

In addition to Merkerson and Brooks, BWFN will present awards to several other influential women in the industry: Sheila Ducksworth will receive the ProducHER Award, Felicia Pride will be honored with the StorytellHER Award, Angela Cannon will receive the PowerbrokHER Award, and Vanzil Burke will be recognized with the AmpliphiHER Award.

Variety Magazine

This year's summit theme, “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” emphasizes the collective strength and collaboration among Black women in the entertainment sector. The event will feature programming focused on the evolving landscape of the industry, including panels on branded content financing, the use of AI tools in production, documentary distribution, monetization of short-form content, and the writer’s journey from pitch to greenlight.

Variety Magazine

Chiquita Lockely, board chair of BWFN, articulated the summit's dual focus on celebration and strategy, stating, “We are creating a space where established powerhouses and emerging voices converge to exchange knowledge, build access and shape the future of storytelling.” She emphasized that honoring Black women who have sustained excellence while equipping the next generation with practical tools is central to the organization's mission.

Variety Magazine

The BWFN summit serves not only as a platform for recognition but also as a vital space for mentorship and advocacy for Black women in entertainment. By highlighting the achievements of established figures and providing resources for emerging talent, the summit aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Variety Magazine

• “Our summit is about strategy as much as celebration,” — Chiquita Lockely, Board Chair, Black Women Film Network

Variety Magazine

The BWFN summit represents a significant event in the entertainment calendar, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration among Black women in the industry.

Variety Magazine