Black Women Film Network Summit Celebrates a Decade of Empowerment with Star-Studded Lineup

The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) is rolling out the red carpet for a milestone celebration at its 10th Annual BWFN Summit on March 22, 2025, at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta. This year’s theme, “Plot Twist: The Art of The Pivot,” is all about how Black women in entertainment are mastering change, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and redefining success on their own terms.

With NBCUniversal as a key sponsor and powered by CVENT, the 10th anniversary of the BWFN Summit is shaping up to be bigger and bolder than ever, offering a platform where emerging and established Black women in entertainment can come together, connect, and thrive.

A Must-Attend Gathering of Game-Changers

The BWFN Summit is not just an event—it’s a movement. From intimate fireside chats to power-packed panels, attendees will gain invaluable insights from some of the industry’s most influential voices. Among the luminaries gracing this year’s stage are Kat Graham, star of the upcoming Tyler Perry film Duplicity, and Sonay Hoffman, co-showrunner of NBC’s hit series Found.

Beyond thought-provoking discussions, BWFN will also host its much-anticipated Annual Awards Luncheon, honoring powerhouse women whose work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond.

Meet the 2025 BWFN Honorees

🔥 AJA NAOMI KING (AcceleratHER Award) – Best known for her standout roles in How to Get Away with Murder and Birth of a Nation, Aja Naomi King continues to shine on screen and off. Fresh from her Emmy-nominated performance in Lessons in Chemistry, King is now captivating audiences in NBC’s Grosse Pointe Garden Society. A fierce advocate for arts education, she serves on the Artistic Advisory Board of Opening Act, helping underserved students tap into their creative potential.

🔥 KATORI HALL (StoryTellHER Award) – A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (The Hot Wing King) and showrunner behind Starz’s hit drama P-Valley, Katori Hall has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling. With accolades ranging from Tony Awards to NAACP Image Awards, Hall’s bold and unapologetic narratives continue to break barriers and spark important conversations in entertainment.

🔥 ANGI BONES (ProducHER Award) – As President of Original Programming at Tyler Perry Studios, Angi Bones is behind some of the biggest projects on screen today. Her production expertise has propelled TPS to new heights, with recent hits like The Six Triple Eight drawing in millions of viewers worldwide. Bones’ 2025 slate includes star-studded projects featuring the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Terri J. Vaughn, proving she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

🔥 DENISE WILLIAMS WATTS (Beacon Award) – Overseeing original content at Apple Music, Denise Williams Watts is a creative visionary who has shaped some of the most compelling short-form documentaries and music-driven visuals. Her past work at Warner Records saw her collaborating with artists like Andra Day and Jason Derulo. Beyond entertainment, Watts gives back as a co-founder of Honorable Women in Media, uplifting the next generation of media executives.

🔥 FELICIA JOSEPH (RainmakHER Award) – As the Senior Vice President of Casting at Disney Entertainment Television, Felicia Joseph has been instrumental in curating the casts for major hits like Abbott Elementary and Will Trent. With a career spanning over 15 years, she has played a crucial role in shaping the faces of television and championing diverse talent in Hollywood.

BWFN: 28 Years of Championing Black Women in Entertainment

“For almost three decades, BWFN has been at the forefront of breaking down barriers for Black women in film and TV,” said BWFN Board Chair and filmmaker Chiquita Lockley. “These honorees exemplify the power of transformation—navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and creating groundbreaking work. As our industry evolves, we stand firm in our mission to uplift, empower, and create opportunities for Black women.”

The 10th Annual BWFN Summit is more than an event—it’s a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential of Black women in entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this momentous occasion. Grab your tickets now!

For updates, follow BWFN on Instagram (@blackwomenfilm) and Facebook (Black Women Film Network).