New Black Hollywood

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join the American Cinematheque for New Black Hollywood, is a biannual cultural gathering spotlighting emerging Black filmmakers and rising Black industry leaders working across today’s entertainment landscape. Hosted at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the evening brings together filmmakers, executives, producers, creatives, and film lovers for a program that blends conversation, discovery and community.

This event is co-presented by community partners Scene & Heard, Minorities in Film and Hollywood Pivot.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS: 

Michael Oloyede (moderator) – Michael Oloyede is a Nigerian American Emmy (NY Regional) nominated actor, producer, and Webby Award–winning creator working across film, television, and theater. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony award winning hit Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Beyond performance, Oloyede is a cultural architect and community builder. He helped launch The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon, and co-founded The Lay Out, a globally celebrated cultural gathering rooted in joy and connection.

He is also the founder of Scene & Heard, a fast-growing creative platform uplifting underrepresented voices through staged readings, development programs, and community experiences that connect artists with industry leaders.

Erica Mann (panelist) – Erica Mann is a Los Angeles–based creative working in scripted television at Amazon MGM Studio. She previously worked at Freevee (BALLARD, JURY DUTY, CRUEL INTENTIONS, ON CALL) where she contributed to the development of scripted programming within Prime Video’s evolving landscape. With a background spanning from unscripted development, film publicity and production, she is passionate about championing emerging voices, stories and talent. Alongside her development work, she is now building her path as a producer, with the desire to push ambitious, thought-provoking projects to the fore front.

Lorelle Lynch (panelist) – Lorelle Lynch is a seasoned development and production executive with a focus on international production and financing. Her producing credits include: WOMAN OF THE HOUR (2024), JACOB BEATS UP NATE (2025) and the upcoming films DRIVERS ED (2025) and FLEUR (2026). Additionally, Lorelle has successfully developed and set up numerous projects across television and film to Netflix, BET Studios and Amazon. Born in San Francisco and raised in Denver, Lorelle graduated from the University of Colorado with degrees in journalism and psychology. Her impressive industry background spans from Ad Sales to Production, encompassing roles at Cox Media Group, Vox Media, Range Media Partners and AGC Studios.

This diverse foundation supports her commitment to creating meaningful, successful, and equitable opportunities for creatives in the global entertainment landscape. In 2025, Lorelle started her own production company, Lincoln Motion, named after the first black-owned company to produce and finance “race films” in America.

Chelsea Maloney (panelist) – Chelsea Maloney is a Creative Executive at Bassett Vance Productions, where she works alongside the development team to identify, develop and create Television & Film Projects that speak to the mission and ethos of Bassett Vance Productions.

She is an alumna of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and of EICOP’s HBCU in LA Program.

Previously, she was Executive Assistant to Lynnette Ramirez, President of Bassett Vance Productions. Before joining BVPro, Chelsea was the Executive Assistant to Katie McGrath and Annie Watkins at Bad Robot Productions.

ABOUT THE FILMS:

“Paradise,” 2023, Dir. child, 4 Mins

In “Paradise,” Director child crafts a lyrical portrait of Crenshaw, tracing the dreamy spirit of Black life through a kaleidoscopic blend of archival footage, intimate street vignettes, and the soul-stirring soundscape of producer and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin. Memory and present-day moments fold into one another, revealing a neighborhood alive with rhythm, resilience, and quiet transcendence.

FORMAT: DCP

“When Big People Lie,” 2024, Dir. Gianfranco Fernandez-Ruiz, 14 Mins

Hurt by his mother’s lies on the whereabouts of his biological father, an eight-year-old must choose between outing her to US immigration authorities or lying to save her sham marriage that’s been keeping their family afloat.

FORMAT: DCP

“It Turned On,” 2023, Dir. Jowaan Sullivan, 2 Mins

When three childhood friends discover a mysterious device with supernatural abilities, they set out to bring justice to their city. But their mission soon blurs the lines between heroism and vengeance as they grapple with the consequences of playing God.

FORMAT: DCP

“ZEKE,” 2025, Dir. Kerry Coddett, 20 Mins

ZEKE is a dark satire about a trusted barbershop owner who betrays a loyal client, forcing him to confront the culture of silence that pervades their Brooklyn community.

FORMAT: DCP

“Wednesdays with Gramps,” 2026, Dir. Chris & Justin Copeland, 8 Mins

When a teenage boy visits his Gramps at a seemingly mundane boring assisted living facility, he comes to find that they have much more in common than he thought. “Wednesdays with Gramps” is a story about connection, communication, and commonality, without say a word.

FORMAT: DCP

“Play Hard,” 2024, Dir. Winter Dunn, 13 Mins

Nate, a workaholic drummer, spends all his time practicing, striving for perfection. After meeting Yazmine, a dedicated modern dancer, he realizes that the key to success isn’t just hard work – it’s knowing when to play hard, too.

FORMAT: DCP