The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) continues its annual tradition of bringing Atlanta’s creative and business communities together to foster and strengthen the positive relationships that have helped transform the city into a film and TV production mecca. Our year 10 program will salute Kathleen Bertrand, executive director of Bronzelens Film Festival. "Kathleen's remarkable dedication has transformed Bronzelens into a prominent regional festival over the past decade," says AAFCA president, Gil Robertson. "Her profound impact on Atlanta's arts and entertainment scene has left an indelible mark, contributing to the permanent infrastructure we witness throughout the southeast today."
Founded in 2009, the Bronzelens Film Festival has carved out a great niche within the film festival community, consistently ranking one of the top festivals servicing diverse audiences. "I am so grateful to receive this honor on behalf of BronzeLens Film Festival from AAFCA," says Bertrand. "With Atlanta being recognized around the globe as a center of film and television production, I'm delighted that BronzeLens has been able to play a role in giving voice to the many unheralded stories of people of color in this community and worldwide."
AAFCA SYNERGY is a tentpole program for the African American Film Critics Association. The event provides an intimate environment where professionals in Atlanta’s growing film and TV industry can meet, mix and mingle with their peers. Previous AAFCA SYNERGY Award recipients include marketing executives, Tirrell Whittley and Nick Nelson; Carolyn Sloss (Allied); network executives, Melissa Ingram (Aspire); Cheryle Harrison (Bounce) and Charles Humbard, (UPtv); producers, Roger Bobb, Brett Dismuke, Eric Tomosunas (Swirl) and Mark Swinton (Tyler Perry Studios) and director, Rob Hardy.