Avery Kelley 
Sometimes, you have to learn to take a chance on yourself.
Since 2019, I’ve been cultivating my passion for filmmaking. From writing pilot episodes in my notebook to directing my own shorts, and starting my own production company – Inspired Melanin. After learning about Black Girls Film Camp from a friend who was a previous participant, I knew this was another chance to bet on me.
Black Girls Film Camp is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that runs for 12 weeks each year. Ten Black girls from across the country are selected to write, direct, and produce their own short films. Aside from being provided with a plethora of technology materials and our own production team, participants also get to engage in seven Zoom sessions, fireside chats, and an all-expenses paid trip to LA for the Black Girls Film Camp Retreat, where each production team learns from award-winning filmmakers and exemplary industry professionals. At the end of production, each film is displayed during the Black Girls Film Camp Red Carpet Screening & Showcase in Charlotte, NC, where films are nominated for various awards selected by 25 Black women industry powerhouses. The shorts are even screened in a variety of film festivals and colleges across the nation.
As a part of the 2023 cohort, I wrote, directed, and produced my short film The All Aroundz. The film focuses on the story of two 40-year-old frenemies who are forced by their love to work together to save their childhood home — their old double dutch rec center. The story was inspired by the 40+ Double Dutch Club, an organization with branches across the nation, that empowers women ages 40 and over through the sport of double dutch. Together, these women, alongside double dutch culture, embody sisterhood, strength, and community. All the things I wanted The All Aroundz to represent.
I learned so much from production. Thanks to my fantastic crew and amazingly talented cast, we finally wrapped after two weeks of pre-production, two days of filming, and three long weeks of editing.
The Black Girls Film Camp Premiere Weekend was filled with several different community-building events, including screenwriting workshops, local film screenings, performances, and more ending with the culminating event of the BGFC film showcase. The event, hosted by Radio Personality Francene Marie, consisted of the screening and a Q&A with actress Paige Audrey-Marie Hurd, moderated by producer, director, and casting director, Tracey ‘Twinkie’ Byrd. The event ended with an awards ceremony. My team and I were selected for the Best Collaboration award, along with my film, The All Aroundz being selected as the BGFC 2023 Best Overall Film. It was an absolute honor and a confirmation that all of my hard work paid off!
I am so forever grateful to my Black Girls Film Camp community for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity. The lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve formed while being a part of this program have been invaluable, and one of the best experiences ever. And the story of The All Aroundz isn’t over yet! My goal is to shop it and develop it into a scripted series. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these last few months, it’s never be afraid to bet on you.
Follow my film on IG! @theallaroundz.
And make sure to follow @blackgirlsfilmcamp and learn more on www.blackgirlsfilmcamp.com.
By Avery Kelley
Instagram: @askaveryk / Twitter: @averykels
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