Sullivan Anderson 
Spike Lee. Ava DuVernay. Lena Waithe. Jordan Peele. Tyler Perry. These are just a handful of Black filmmakers that are renowned in their industry, but the grand question is: where are the rest of us? XL Film Festival has been answering this question, and filling the gap for Black filmmakers for two years now, connecting industry professionals, and creating an immersive experience for participants to dive into.
The XL Film Festival was founded by renowned media producer and host Troy Pryor. “The number one thing I want people to walk away with is possibilities. Not only the attendees, but potential strategic possibilities,” Pryor explained. “What we’re doing here is not something that has really been done in a lot of places, and sometimes it’s just because folks didn’t think it was possible. So you know, our whole goal this year was just to let people know what’s possible.”
“If you got an idea and you really, really believe in it, just take the first step. It’s going to be a lot of guessing and trying to figure things out. You’re not going to know all the answers I’m still figuring out. Lead with the right intention and positive energy, and you’ll attract the right people to come into your world and help you build from there.”
A three-day experience filled with thought-provoking panels to film showcases, the XL Film Festival was definitely the place to be this past weekend. True Star was honored to be in the room; here’s our experience, and what we thought of it:
Friday Funday: Day 1
Before we get into the panels, let’s highlight how many activations there were for people to participate in. There was a Black Art Gallery at the Hyatt Place in Hyde Park, a Game Room by IPG, a Podcast Studio by Shure that featured various shows, a Banking Center by BMO, and Wellness Suites featuring barbers, massages, and facial waxes. There were also film screenings at Harper Theater that occurred throughout the day.
In addition to the activations, there were amazing panels and competitions that occurred throughout the day. The first day featured a pitch competition moderated by celebrity judges Lamorne Morris, Diallo Riddle, and Brenda Gilbert. Dusan Brown won the pitch competition with his movie “GO,” that follows the story of a college student who has lost both of his parents, and is grappling with overwhelming feelings of despair and hopelessness. The film explores themes of resilience, stages of grief, healing, and the power of community. Brown is a 22-year-old filmmaker, college student, and Chicago native. Witnessing his greatness at such a young age was nothing short of powerful.
The panels were also amazing that day. A.I. is here (featuring Crystal Berger, William Smith, Joshua Johnson, and Nick Brown, moderated by Dani Smith), Standing on Business (featuring Diallo Riddle, Brenda Gilber, and Candace Jones, moderated by Lamorne Morris), and Queens in Media (featuring Lisa Beasly, Condra Magee, Grace Byers, and Kendra Chanae Chapman) were just a few of the amazing panels that day. The speakers discussed their inspirational stories and how they got involved in media, and how they used their experiences to propel them to heights in their respective careers.
A Sensational Saturday: Day 2
Saturday featured the same activations, and new panels: Dream Keepers and Dreamers (featuring Black Girls Film Camp), True Star Media (yes!), Obama Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, and Social Works, presented by Destiny Outreach.
The panel was extremely influential, where True Star’s own Co-Founder DeAnna Sherman spoke about the importance of resilience, chasing dreams, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people. “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future,” Sherman said. “If you can create a network amongst your peers, you will rise with the tide. Keep people around you that are better than you: more organized, more creative, and they will bring you up. You have to have a village, and that’s what we hope to do at True Star.” Wise words!
As Maya Angelou once stated, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story.” Being in an atmosphere with people who had the courage to go after their dreams despite humble beginnings, sparse resources (at times), and long journeys was extremely inspiring. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be in the room with so many inspirational people, and I will carry the positive energy and gems dropped with me for a lifetime.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
*Cierra Lemott contributed to this article.
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