Sistas Are Doin' For Themselves; Reel Black Men; and, African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

The Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center ("BHERC") was founded to remove the veil of invisibility that shrouds African Americans and other minority groups from the main stage, and to spotlight diversity and the stellar contributions of black film and television artists who brought dignity and professionalism to even the most menial of roles. BHERC, a nonprofit, public benefit organization, is designed to advocate, educate, research, develop and preserve the history, and the future, of Blacks in Film and television industries. BHERC strives to highlight the important roles that Blacks have played, and continue to play, in film and television. To that end, BHERC annually celebrates and promotes Black History and Culture through a series of annual film festivals that recognize Black Film and television pioneers through showcasing historic films. Trailblazers that should be legend in the history of American Filmmaking - Oscar Micheaux, Spencer Williams, Ethel Waters, Jeni LeGon, Paul Robeson, and many more - are too often unknown, even in the African American community. The festivals also showcase the richness and power of young filmmakers who will lead the struggle for positive and quality Black Films in our future. BHERC is committed to documenting the existence of a major Black film industry that served black audiences in the shadow of the Hollywood Dream Machine. BHERC's commitment to the development of future filmmakers, performers, directors, and behind the scenes technicians, cast and crew, is realized not only through film festivals but also through innovative educational programs.