Sista Brunch

Join us on Sista Brunch live from the Essence Film Festival as we interview Aliza Pearl and Samantha Nelson, the creative minds behind the pilot 'My Intelligence.' Discover the inspiration behind the show, which features a Black woman navigating a tech field with an AI twist. Learn about their writing process, challenges, and future aspirations for the series. Don't miss this insightful and inspir...

Exploring 'The Perfect Hundred': Filmmakers Ali Matlock, Tra'Lynn Husbands & Athena Alexis Discuss Horror, Tech & Creativity Welcome back to Sista Brunch at the Essence Film Festival celebrating its 30th anniversary! In this episode, host Ali interviews filmmakers behind the horror thriller 'The Perfect Hundred.' Director Ali Matlock, lead actress Tra'Lynn Husbands, and actress Athena Alex...

Join host Fanshen Cox in a special episode of Sista Brunch recorded live from the Essence Film Festival. Fanshen interviews Adetoro Makinde, a writer, director, and producer, about her screenplay 'The American Can,' which tells the compelling story of a recon marine veteran's heroic actions during Hurricane Katrina.  The discussion explores the challenges of filmmaking, securing financial backing,...

In this empowering episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox and guest co-host Precious Foreman shine a spotlight on diversity and innovation in the entertainment industry. Join us at USC, where Black Girls Film Camp alum Precious shares insights from her film "Call Me Cleo," exploring generational tensions and lessons in black womanhood. Our featured guest, Zoe Marshall, a Dallas native and USC a...

In this transformative episode of Sista Brunch, join us at USC for a heartening discussion with Black Girls Film Camp alumni Lanaa Dantzler and the inspiring Tamika Lamison, a vanguard in promoting diversity and social impact in film.  Lanaa introduces her compelling short film, "Five Angry Black Girls," exploring themes of rebellion and freedom.  Dive deep with Tamika Lamison, an award-winning di...

Dive into an insightful episode of Sista Brunch as we partner once again with Black Girls Film Camp to bring you a conversation with the dynamic Salena Rochester. A Peabody award-winning producer, Salena shares her extensive experience in television, producing everything from "The Real Housewives" to groundbreaking documentaries like "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks."  Joined by co-host Ave...

Tune into this bonus episode of Sista Brunch, where host Fanshen Cox celebrates the impact of Black Girls Film Camp and the powerful strides women are making in film and TV.  Joined by co-host Addison Bellhomme, a proud alum of the camp, this episode dives deep into an engaging conversation with Katrina Ogilvie, a seasoned writer and producer known for her work on the Rosa Parks movie "Behind the...

Join us for a special bonus episode of Sista Brunch, featuring the powerful voices of Black Girls Film Camp. Co-hosted by Fanshen Cox and her niece, Jaida Cox, an alumna of the camp, this episode dives deep into the world of film and media with the esteemed entertainment executive Karen Peterkin.  With over two decades in the industry, Karen shares her journey and insights into nurturing diverse t...

Dive into a captivating bonus episode of Sista Brunch, broadcasting directly from USC's campus in collaboration with Black Girls Film Camp.  Join host Fanshen Cox as she welcomes Terryn Pinder, a Black Girls Film Camp alumna whose short film "Desquamated" explores complex themes of body image through a sci-fi horror lens.  The episode also features a special guest, Chassidy Jade, a trailblazing fi...

In the season finale of Sista Brunch, join us for an exhilarating conversation with Ciera Thompson, a Black queer writer whose work champions intersectional equality and narrative empowerment. This episode also features Sanaa Wilkins, an alumna of Black Girls Film Camp, as our special co-host. Together, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking, the importance of mentorship, and the i...

In this riveting episode of Sista Brunch, join Fanshen as she sits down with the exceptional Natalie Jasmine Harris, whose early journey through film and activism has carved a path from NYU to Sundance. Hear the inspiring story of how Harris turned the challenges of the pandemic into a springboard for success, leading her compelling short film "Grace" to critical acclaim. Discover the drive and pa...

In this enlightening episode of Sista Brunch, we sit down with Reginé Gilbert, a powerhouse in the intersection of tech and social justice. Holding the esteemed James Weldon Johnson professorship at New York University, Reginé is not only shaping minds in academia with her profound insights into inclusive and accessible digital design but also touching lives through her pioneering work in augmente...

Dive into a narrative journey with Asia Nichols, an extraordinary storyteller who defies conventional genre labels, on this week's episode of Sista Brunch. Asia takes us along on her 13-year global adventure from the blue city of Jodhpur to a farm in central Mexico, all while sustaining a creative life out of a backpack. She shares the evolution from social work to unconventional screenwriting, de...

Welcome to another empowering episode of Sista Brunch, where we delve into the fascinating world of independent filmmaking with Hurriyah Muhammad, a beacon of inspiration for Black filmmakers. As co-founder and former executive director of the Black TV and Film Collective, Hurriyah's influence extends far beyond the screen. With a mission to uplift and support Black creators, her work echoes throu...

Journey with us in Season 5, Episode 9 of Sista Brunch as we spotlight the extraordinary Seyi Adebanjo, a queer gender non-conforming Nigerian artist whose storytelling magnificently intertwines the threads of activism, spirituality, and identity. Seyi shares their vibrant journey from Nigeria to New York, navigating the spaces in between their Yoruba heritage and queer, gender-expansive identity....

Welcome back to Sista Brunch, where we illuminate the paths of Black women and gender-expansive people in entertainment and media. In this inspiring Season 5 episode, join us as we delve into the multifaceted life of Valerie Udeozor. She's not only a Howard University alumna and a talented filmmaker with works on TubiTV and BHERCTV, but also a celebrated Registered Nurse and esteemed nursing profe...

Season five of Sista Brunch continues to highlight trailblazing Black women and gender-expansive people in entertainment and media. This episode, we're thrilled to introduce LaChelle Chrysanne – an eclectic artist whose journey from the Midwest to the heart of New York's creative scene epitomizes breaking through boundaries. With a story that weaves through the realms of music, design, and filmmak...

Join us on Sista Brunch for an inspiring conversation with Grace Jordan, whose career leap from Production Assistant to Assistant Director illuminates the behind-the-scenes world of TV and film production. Discover the pivotal moments, the hustle, and the heartwarming mentorship that shaped her path in an industry that's only just beginning to embrace diversity behind the lens. Dive deep into the...

Dive into a riveting conversation with Heidi Williamson, the founder of Hummingbird Black Creative, on the latest episode of Sista Brunch with host Fanshen Cox. Discover how Heidi's journey through progressive and feminist politics, coupled with her passion for art and storytelling, has shaped her unique voice in the industry. Unpack her insights on the intersectionality of advocacy work, the pivo...

Join host Fanshen Cox and special co-host Jessica Johnson from Black Girls Film Camp in a riveting session with Sasheen Artis, Emmy-winning producer and CEO of Plenty of Pie. Sasheen recounts her journey from a New York upbringing to producing documentaries that tackle societal issues. Jessica reflects on how Black Girls Film Camp shaped her storytelling. This episode is a testament to the transfo...

Join us on this inspiring journey with Yhá Mourhia Wright, a multifaceted artist hailing from San Jose, California, in the latest episode of Sista Brunch. Hosted by Fanshen Cox, we dive deep into Yhá Mourhia's evolution from a child with vivid imaginary friends and a passion for storytelling, to a graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School and the dynamic force behind YháWright Productions. Discov...

Dive into an enriching conversation with Martine Joelle McDonald on this episode of Sista Brunch. Martine, a celebrated film curator, teaching artist, and inclusion consultant, shares her fascinating journey from her early days on Sesame Street to her profound work in peace and conflict studies. Discover how her passion for storytelling, advocacy for queer representation, and dedication to youth m...

In this inspiring episode of Sista Brunch, join us as we dive into the world of storytelling, representation, and empowerment with the remarkable Nia Malika Dixon. As an award-winning filmmaker and founder of Audaz Entertainment , Nia shares her journey from teaching to creating impactful cinema, advocating for Black Muslim voices in media. Also discover the incredible work of https://www.blackgir...

Isis King was first introduced to us on America's Top Model. Since then, the model, actress and activist has played roles on Netflix's "When They See Us," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and the TV series "With Love." Sista Brunch associate producer Farida Abdul-Wahab speaks to Isis live from the Essence Film Festival about her path to stardom.

You may know Nicki Micheaux from her roles on shows like "Six Feet Under", "Soul Food" and "The Shield" however, Nicki Micheaux made her feature film directorial debut at the 2023 Essence Film Festival. Host Fanshen Cox talks to Nicki about her film, "Summer of Violence."