Reel Moments: With BadAss Women in Film and Entertainment

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.

Join WIFF Founder Yvonne McCormack Lyons & TV/Film Director Hanelle Calpepper for a live discussion about Breaking Down Barriers in Hollywood. Chosen to direct the pilot for "Star Trek: Picard," Hanelle M. Culpepper is the first woman to launch a new Star Trek series in its 53-year history. An energetic and unflappable award-winning director, Hanelle’s television credits range from superhero action adventures to thrillers and genre films to character-driven dramas Join us as she talks about her journey in tv and film

Spend some time with Yvonne and actress Bree Klauser as they discuss her upcoming episodic series on Audible called "Phreaks" where she plays the lead role, along with veteran actor Christian Slater. During this touching and very important episode, Bree discusses the challenges of being a legally blind actress in Hollywood and how diversity, equity and inclusion should extend to people with disabilities as well. Bree can also be seen in the Apple+ TV series "See" alongside actress Alfre Woodard and Actor Jason Momoa (who we all remember from the series "Game of Thrones").

Christian Kallas is a transnational New York-based feature writer and director. She is best known for the critically acclaimed ensemble dramas, The Rainbow Experiment, 42 Seconds of Happiness, and for the John Hurt-starring, Bolden Berlin Bear-nominated political thriller, The Commissioner. Released worldwide by Gravitas Ventures, The Rainbow Experiment debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival and Mosow International Film Festival 2018. In 2016 Kallas scored of the film festival circuit with her award winning feature 42 Seconds of Happiness. Both of the movies were screened at the Women's International Film & Arts Festival. Christina and host Yvonne Mccormack Lyons spoke about the distribution of her two above-noted films on Amazon Prime and Showtime and how the landscape for film distribution has changed and continues to change. We also discussed her current project Paris in Harlem inspired by her dear friend Sam Hargress Jr, former owner of the legendary Paris Blues jazz dive in the area of Harlem, New York, where Kallas currently lives. Sam Hargress Jr. passed away due to COVID 19 on April 10, 2020 in New York City.

Erica Linney is an award-winning television producer and writer. She is most well known as the Senior Producer of the Christian Broadcasting Network's most-watched program, Turning Point International. During our conversation, we spoke about following your path by "following the peace." We discussed her journey from a college student intending to travel to Hollywood to be a television, comedy writer to ending up traveling around the world as a producer for the Christian Broadcasting Network. She gave beautiful insights into how to be successful and how to follow your dreams even though the pathway there may be different than you planned. As a self-described optimist, Erica leads a global team of producers inciting hope around the world with real life stories of faith and personal triumph.

In this episode of Reel Moments, Model and Actress Michelle Lawson talks about how she got her first role as a television actress on a major US television network. She's multi-talented, mult-ipassionate, she's a writer, she's involved in the modeling industry, a thespian, and involved in the film and television industry as an actor. Listen in to hear her tips on how to get your first acting gig.

In this episode of Reel Moments, documentary filmmaker Leslie Bornstein discusses the making of her new film Terra Posada. Shot in Mozambique in South East Africa, Terra Pesada shares the life and music of Heavy Metal musicians in the capital city of Maputo. During our conversation, Leslie discusses how she travelled to Africa after a long sickness and happened to see a flyer for a Metal concert. "When I saw a flyer for Evil Angels nothing could keep me away. The minute I walked into the club in Malhazlne, a "zone" of Maputo, I knew I'd be happy to spend the rest of my life there," she says.

During this episode, we spend very special Reel Moments with BadAss Actress, Model, and Radio Host Shay Davis. Shay's beautiful face has covered magazines, she's been the cohost of a nationally syndicated radio show and she's had featured roles on two network television series. This hard working model, entrepreneur and actress discusses the importance of being a giver, hard work, and developing relationships to grow your brand and your career.

Originally recorded as a FACEBOOK Live, this Reel Moments episode with Filmmaker Debra "Debbie" Markowitz is a conversation with a seasoned industry executive who has just about done it all. She's a Filmmaker, Casting Director, Film Festival Director and local Film Commission Executive Director. Markowitz discusses how she transitioned from Nassau County Film Executive Director to film festival director to writer/director. She advises how she has been able to leverage her relationships to find seasoned actors to play vital roles in the films she casts and films she directs. Debbie has been in the industry for over thirty years and provides great information to those interested in writing, director, or finding that great actor for your next film.

Originally recorded in 2018 as a Facebook Live episode, BadAss filmmaker and Film Festival Director Cindy Mich gives amazing value as she shares her journey as a writer, filmmaker, film festival director, and radio host with an audience of over 90,000. During our talk, she gives practical advice on building relationships. She also discusses her current projects, gives tips on innovative ways to distribute your film, and how to enter her Film Art is Alive Film Festival which is held annually in New York City. Cindy is also a mother of four and discusses how to juggle the world of business with motherhood.

Episode#3- Lovely Actress/Producer Noree Victoria spends some touching Reel Moments with host Yvonne McCormack Lyons to talk about her new film, Walk Away From Love debuting on BETHer. Noree discusses her transition from being a school teacher in a small town to a lead actress in Hollywood. Listen to the full broadcast to hear the special advice she gives to youth and to people who want to break into the entertainment industry. She can be found on @noreevictoria on all social media channels.

This introductory episode describes the intention of our podcast Reel Moments and what it's all about, I discuss how the idea came about and where I plan on taking it. We focus on empowering women filmmakers, promoting our projects and giving back by sharing our journeys, our challenges and our success stories.. I'll bring you a new episode every week with interesting and inspiring "Reel Moments" with BadAss women.