Academy Award Nominated Documentary filmmaker Alice Elliott joins WIFF-TV Founder Yvonne McCormack Lyons for a Reel Moments discussion about Alice's films which have been presented in over 100 film festivals as well as on HBO and PBS.

Recorded as a Facebook Live event, the two discussed what it is like to be nominated for an academy award in the past, and what it's like to serve as a judge on this year's selection committee.

This edition of Reel Moments was originally recorded as a Facebook Live event while I was traveling.

Jezabel spoke about her journey as a young, blond, Latina actress who couldn't find work because she didn't fit the stereotypical image of a Latin female.

She chose not to give up on the industry and became a script writer and filmmaker to showcase untold stories about Latin women from all backgrounds, including Black, LGBTQ, etc.

"We shatter the window, break open the door and force your way through!" she says.

Jezebel's work can be seen on WIFFTV.com

Join us for a wonderful and inspirational conversation with first-time filmmakers Lenyx Rose and Nwabisa Tolom.

During this Facebook Live conversation, these first-time filmmakers discussed their journey as young women filmmakers and the importance of having a strong support system. "It's important especially for artists," they say.

"As creative people we tend to want to separate - this is my work, this I my creation, and this is my life, and that is not where we create from. That is not where inspiration comes from. It comes from living our lives. What you are hoping to achieve should align with how you live your life everyday. Who you surround yourself with- the folks you're allowing to repeat in your head," they say.

In this Facebook Live interview Director Deana Williams discusses how she was able to follow her dream to be a filmmaker.

Her love of horror films combined with her talent for writing led to her first screenplay at the age of 12 and her first film at the age of 13.

She discussed her latest film that was inspired by her own experience of coming out as a Lesbian.

Deana is delightful, open, inspiring and downright funny.

Listen and enjoy.

During this very special edition of Reel Moments, we talk, we laugh, and we watch six-time #Grammy Nominee Bettye Lavette perform the title song of her Grammy Nominated (Best Contemporary Blues) Album, Blackbirds, written and originally recorded by #Beatles Legend #Paul McCartney. The album mostly consisted songs by black female singers from the 50s and 60s who were inspirational to her when she started her career.

Recorded just days before the Grammy ceremonies, we chat about her nomination and also delve back into her past discussing what it was like touring as a young musician with superstars like the Godfather of Soul James Brown and soul singer/writer Otis Redding.

We also watch her duet with Rock Star Bon Jovi at the President Obama Inauguration.

This edition is truly a treat.

Enjoy!.

In this dynamic episode of Reel Moments, Journalist & Emmy winning Producer A'Lelia Bundles discusses the Netflix Series "Self Made," the fictionalized four-part Netflix series starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer that premiered on March 20, 2020 which is actually based on the book she authored of her great, great grandmother, Madame C.J. Walker, America's First Self Made Woman Millionaire.
During our candid conversation, Bundles describes the differences between her book, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, andthe real life of her great, great grandmother and what was written and portrayed in the .. She clearly states her objections to how Hollywood changed the story not only of her great, great grandmother's story but that of other noteworthy leaders of the time.
"I got calls from other descendants as well who were upset as well," she said.
After a 30-year career as an executive and Emmy award winning producer with ABC News and NBC News, she now is brand historian for MCJW, a line of hair care products inspired by Madam Walker and created by Sundial Brands. She is a trustee of Columbia University and chair emerita of the National Archives Foundation. Ms. Bundles also speaks at conferences, colleges, corporations and other venues about entrepreneurship, philanthropy, financial literacy and women’s and African American history.
If you haven't listened to any Reel Moment's episode, this is one you cannot miss.

Originally recorded as a Facebook Live event, host Yvonne McCormack Lyons interviews the creator, the co-director, and one of the lead actor's of the critically acclaimed series "#Washed."

Creator Jerod Couch, Writer Actress Lee, and Co-Director Nadirah Shakir speak about the premiere of their upcoming second season streaming on Amazon Prime.

Watch or listen in to these dynamic, and often humorous creators as they respond to the audience questions and comments about women and societal expectations.

In this edition of Reel Moments, photographer, artist, and filmmaker Francesca Andrea talks about her award-winning short film Charcoal.

We discuss her transition from still photographer to filmmaker and 'colorism,' the subject of her film and how it relates to our national discussions about Black Lives Matter, and women's sense of beauty and ultimately our self esteem.