Bowie State University to Host Prince George's Film Festival: Take Two

Actors Lynn Whitfield, Lamman Rucker Among Industry Experts

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – The Prince George's Film Festival: Take Two set for September 28 through October 1, 2023, promises a weekend of cinematic excitement featuring new film works from up-and-coming and established filmmakers of diverse voices at locations across the county, including Bowie State’s Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Attendees can join fellow film enthusiasts for workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and captivating screenings at Prince George’s Community College, Bowie State University, The Sunset Room and the MGM National Harbor. (See full festival schedule)

On Saturday, September 30, the festival returns to Bowie State University's Fine and Performing Arts Center for a full and exciting day of panel discussions, workshops, and a special screening highlighting animation. BSU students have the opportunity to attend the panels, workshops, and activities to learn directly from changemakers in the entertainment industry and be a part of this growing and local creative economy. Students should enter code BSUPGFF for a student pass. 

Actor and producer Lamman Rucker, the festival's celebrity ambassador, will open Saturday's session with an actor’s intensive course study focusing on auditions, casting, table reads, production and reshoots.

The panel, Soul in Motion: Animation, Representation and Technology, will feature industry experts discussing storytelling, technology and diversity in the animation industry.   

"We will have industry experts from Adobe and animation studios such as Pixar, Laika, Studio Smokescreen, Al Roker Entertainment and more on a panel to talk about innovation, diversity, careers, entrepreneurship, and the future of animation,” said Professor Tewodross M. Williams, chair of Bowie State's Fine and Performing Arts Department.

“We are proud to have BSU alumni Tressa Smallwood, Serena Lee, Tamara Lee and Tarek “Terk” Stephens come back home,” said Williams. “They are just a few shining stars to represent BSU and Prince George’s County in the film industry.”

A film and fashion panel entitled "From Sketch to Screen" moderated by Maggy Francois, BSU adjunct professor, is designed to help attendees understand the connection of fashion, film, and culture. The power of wardrobe and costume design in cinema and television is also on the agenda." 

Other panels on Saturday's schedule at Bowie State include the Business of Making Movies, Making Money Moves, Breaking Into the Business and Film Distribution.

The Prince George's Film Festival concludes on Sunday at the MGM National Harbor Ballroom with stage, television, and film star Lynn Whitfield as keynote speaker at the closing reception brunch and award ceremony. Virtual film screenings will be available throughout the day. 

 "The Prince George's Film Festival is growing in scope and reputation not just locally but nationally," said Williams. "We're attracting industry experts and have quality films for screening by the public with many produced by local filmmakers. We know there will be something for everyone this year and encourage the community to attend. We also appreciate the generous support of Adobe and other sponsors to bring this wonderful event back to Bowie State’s campus."

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.