About

Established in 1997, the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) was founded to prepare black women to enter the film and television industries. The organization seeks to preserve the voice of these women through film and educational programs that empower and inform. A 501(c)3 non-profit, BWFN provides student scholarships, hosts screenings and workshops, and honors individuals who have excelled in this difficult industry.

For 27 years, BWFN has been supporting and championing Black women in film, TV and beyond on a volunteer basis. Our founder Mrs. Sheryl Gripper saw a need to center us and did something about it. Over the years, she has funded scholarships for aspiring Black women filmmakers out her own pocket. Going into our 28th year and our 10th BWFN Summit March 22, 2025 as well as our BWFN Short Film Festival on April 26, 2025, we do need your help. Unlike some other organizations, BWFN is a purely volunteer effort of Black women who are in the industry in varying capacities and see the need for this work. Trust that we are working hard to level up to serve Black women dreamers better, but we can’t really do it without you. So again if you have anything to give, please give whatever you can to BWFN and we promise to keep giving to you.