Ford Motor Company Fund returned as sole sponsor of the
NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium, marking its 10th
year with the title “Moving Forward: The
State of the Industry.” The annual event was held Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at
the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. The event was free to the public.
A portion of Ford’s sponsorship will be directed to support community programs, including a
$10,000 grant to Duke Media Foundation.
Last year, the film entertainment industry set a record with box office receipts totaling $11
billion. Black filmmakers, including an increased number of black film directors and actors
starring in lead roles, as well as gripping feature films and moving historical pieces all played a
role in this unprecedented success.
“Ford is proud to be working again with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium to showcase
a renaissance in black film at all levels,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community
development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We congratulate the award-winning Bill Duke and
Duke Media Foundation for their work in developing media and financial literacy programs to
prepare inner-city and gifted high school students for the new digital media age.”
The event focused on whether this newfound success was due to a broader industry trend or
the achievement of a new stronghold for blacks in the film industry. More than 300 people
including Hollywood entertainers, NAACP board members, members of the NAACP Image
Awards’ committee and television academy, as well as film and television students from local
colleges and universities convened for this event. They also engaged in the question and
answer session by directly addressing the panel participants with various inquiries. All panelists
encourage aspiring artists to persevere and learn to perfect their craft.
Panel participants included humanitarian/activist/director Bill Duke, CAA agent Cameron
Mitchell, senior vice president of production for Columbia Tristar Pictures Devon Franklin, and
author and producer Flo McAfee. Ramsey Jay Jr., nationally renowned writer, interviewer and
producer, served as panel moderator.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
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The Hollywood Bureau Symposium was one of several popular events held during Image
Awards week. The 45th
NAACP Image Awards aired Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 to 11 p.m. on TV
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