The AAFCA Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Cameron Bailey , CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) , for an insightful conversation on one of the world’s most influential film festivals. Bailey shares how TIFF continues to shape the global film industry, champion diverse voices, and create a space for groundbreaking storytelling. Tune in as we discuss the festival’s impact, the evolving landscape...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Friday , President of Nice Crowd and a driving force behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) . She shares insights into ABFF’s mission to amplify Black storytelling, support emerging talent, and create spaces where diverse voices thrive. Nicole dives into the festival’s impact on the film industry, its evolution over the years, and what makes ABFF a...

In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Puig , Program Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival , to explore the festival’s role in celebrating global cinema and elevating diverse storytelling. Claudia shares insights on curating impactful films, fostering emerging talent, and how Santa Barbara has become a key destination for filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Tune in for a fasci...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kathleen Bertrand , Executive Producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival , to discuss the festival’s mission of celebrating and amplifying Black filmmakers. Kathleen shares the festival’s journey, its impact on Atlanta’s thriving film scene, and how BronzeLens continues to champion diverse voices in the industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the power of...

In this episode, we welcome Christina Routhier , Executive and Artistic Director of the Savannah Film Festival , to discuss the festival’s role in showcasing innovative films and supporting emerging talent. Christina shares insights into the festival’s unique connection with SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), its impact on the industry, and the importance of fostering diverse storytelling....

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival with its visionary founders and producers, Stephanie and Floyd Rance . They share the festival’s journey in elevating Black storytelling, fostering a vibrant creative community, and providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase impactful narratives. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the evolution o...

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Guerrero , President of the Bentonville Film Festival , to discuss the festival’s mission of championing inclusion in media, the power of diverse storytelling, and what makes Bentonville a unique space for filmmakers. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of film festivals and the impact of authentic representation on screen! 🎧...

In this episode of the AAFCA Podcast host Ed Adams speaks with Ikem Chukumerije, one of Hollywood's top real estate agents. We discuss how he got into the business, what are some the myths surrounding the market in LA, and about his agency, The Sports Relocation Agency

In this episode of the AAFCA Podcast, Host Ed Adams chats with President and Literary Agent, Gloria Loomis of The Watkins/Loomis Agency about the role of the literary agent, and how they work with their clients to bring their works from print to film and television. 

Barbie was one of the biggest movies of 2023 and in this episode, host Ed Adams speaks with fashion and toy designer, Stephen Sumner at MGA Entertainment about the toy business, intellectual properties, and what Barbie the iconic doll and the film so special. 

In this episode of the AAFCA Podcast, Host Ed Adams explores the in flight entertainment and connectivity industry with Catherine McDaniel, Lead Content Curator - Movies for Delta Studio. 

AAFCA celebrates the Special Achievement TV Vanguard Award winner. Host Ed Adams speaks with President and CEO of Hallmark Media, Wonya Lucas about her amazing career, lessons she's learned throughout her journey and advice she gained from her legendary father Bill Lucas and her uncle Hank Aaron. 

AAFCA highlights a Special Achievement award winner. Ed Adams speaks with TriStar Television Executive Vice President, Jennifer Turner about her journey to her role, and her passion project, Mad Cool Community and Fitness. 

Season 5 of the AAFCA Podcast kicks off with a discussion about 'The Black Beauty Effect'. This three-part docu-series focuses on the history and impact people of color have had on the cosmetic, hair, and skin care industry. This passion project was a collaboration of producers Andrea Lewis and CJ Faison who helm the project. 

In this episode of the AAFCA Podcast, host Ed Adams speaks with former TMZ host, Van Lathan about his move from Louisiana to Los Angeles, his experiences at TMZ and the many projects he's done since leaving the show, including a new book and an Oscar and AAFCA-winning short, "Two Distant Strangers".

In this episode host Ed Adams speaks with NFL athlete turned filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry about his  Academy Award-winning animated short, "Hair Love" and other film and television projects. 

In this episode of the AAFCA Podcast, host Ed Adams speaks with Deon Taylor and Ephraim Salaam, two lifelong friends who charted their own, unique paths from sports into the entertainment industry. Deon, left his career in basketball to start his own production company, Hidden Empire Film Group and has written, directed, and produced several films and television shows. Ephraim left a successful ca...

In this episode of The AAFCA Podcast, host Ed Adams speaks with architect and designer Kulapat Yantrasast, Creative Director at WHY about the exhibit design contributions for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. 

To kick off season four of The AAFCA Podcast, host Ed Adams speaks with NFL great and entertainment multi-hyphenate, Michael Strahan about his career, his motivations, and his company SMAC Entertainment.

Rich Kleiman is not new to the entertainment business. He started out in the music industry working for Jay-Z and RocNation representing several artist in their portfolio and produced his first film – the concert film, “Fade to Black” in 2004. Fast forward to 2016, NBA MVP Kevin Durant and Kleiman start Thirty-Five Ventures, the umbrella company for all their business interests across sports, tech...

Stephen Curry may be known as the best shooter in the NBA but in Hollywood he is making headlines for his pitches. Since forming his production company Unanimous Media in 2018, Curry and his business partner Erick Peyton have blazed a path creating uplifting content in film, television, and podcasts.  Peyton has literally been creating content most of his life with several producing and directing...

Suzan-Lori Parks rose to prominence in the theatrical world when her play, Topdog Underdog won a Pulitzer Prize in 2002. She wrote her first screenplay, “Girl 6” directed by and starring Spike Lee in 1996 and has several film projects to her credit including the adaptation of Richard Wright’s “Native Son” for HBO. For her two recent projects, "Genius: Aretha" for NatGeo and "The Uni...

NBA phenom LeBron James and his Manager/Business partner, Maverick Carter founded SpringHill entertainment in 2007.  Their first project, a documentary, “More Than a Game” in 2008 followed James and his Akron, Ohio high school teammates through the ups and downs of high school basketball, and ultimately his journey to fame. Since then, the company – now known as The SpringHill Company has grown wi...

Actors Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie talk about the new season of Netflix's award-winning comedy series, "Master of None." The season focuses on the marriage of Denise (Waithe) and Alicia (Ackie) as their relationship takes a rollercoaster ride when the two decide to conceive. All episodes of season 3 are currently streaming on Netflix. 

As Black Lives Matter stories and "Living while black"  surfaced across the United States, people took to the streets in protest. And this chant was said in unison around the world. One of the people who captured this Black Lives Matter movement in the U,K. was photographer Nisan Harriman.  Harriman’s took to the street and shared amazing images of frustration, anger, unity, and hope tha...