Gentleman Jack’s Real to Reel film screening tour finale was held at the Wiltern Theater with Legendary producer, writer, and actor Robert Townsend. This year Codeblack Films and Gentleman Jack teamed up with Real to Reel hosting a national contest and screening tour hosted by Anthony Rose, showcasing the creativity and talent of emerging Black filmmakers.
Iconic filmmaker Robert Townsend expressed that he is proud to be a panelist to discuss his body of work as an African American filmmaker using the Gentleman Jack platform to educate and inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
If we don’t support new filmmakers of color, real authentic voices will not be heard and truly powerful storytelling can only come from those that have lived the experience. ~ Robert Townsend
Nurturing filmmakers for over 25 years Townsend led a life dedicated to elevating images of people of color from all the projects he’s created and worked. To date, his most important accomplishment has been to be one of the founding members of the American Black Film Festival held annually in Miami.
“Believe in yourself and be fearless”, words of wisdom from Townsend. He believes with the new technology, there are no limitations to create content on any day. The only limitation will be what this generation of filmmakers put on themselves.
The national contest showcases the creativity and talent of up-and-coming Black filmmakers. The winner of the national competition will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to screen their short film at this year’s American Black Film Festival in Miami to an exclusive audience of industry professionals.

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