Black, Bold & Brilliant: A Space for Filmmakers

Though some may not consider Utah a hot spot for Black creators working within the realm of film, there exists a whole program to support, uplift and recognize local Black filmmakers.

“I hope through our program we are changing the minds and the understanding of what Black culture really is and what it can be,” says Associate Programmer Risshan Leak of the Black, Bold and Brilliant (BBB) program, supported by the Utah Film Center. Leak is accompanied by Lead Programmer Aja Washington and Program Manager Russell Roots.

BBB uses cinema to talk about issues within the Black community. Beginning in 2020, shortly after the summer marked by the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests, this program was developed to create different kinds of conversations surrounding Black communities, intersectionality and other marginalized communities in Utah. “A program like this is so necessary. People don’t have privy into the Black experience because our population is so small within the state,” says Leak. Through BBB, there is an avenue through which stories can be told, shared and discussed. In doing so, a safe space has been created.

“Film is a voice. It is a way to express yourself and to make a point.”

The program first started off as an online experiment, recognizing a need for Black voices in film. It has now grown into multiple live events each year, all focused around storytelling within the community. “It started out as taking clips of pop culture or films and highlighting issues that those films talked about,” says Washington. The program was then simplified into film screenings, Q&As, community tablings and more in order to bring people together and form discussions.

As the program has continued to grow over the years, attendance has increased from less than 100 people to now over 300 attendees at the most recent event. The Utah Film Center has helped in moving things along, bringing up viewership and awareness. Some hear about BBB and might think the program is only for people within the Black community, but all are welcome! “Yes, we are talking about Black issues, but it’s okay that you are a part of it, too,” says Washington, as she discusses the importance of having a diverse audience at their events.

“I love the challenge and responsibility of sharing our story.”

“Film is a voice. It is a way to express yourself and to make a point,” says Washington. It is important to have Black voices in filmmaking and for them to be paid and recognized for their work. With the film industry being largely dominated by white men, BBB is aiming to highlight Black experiences while supporting Black filmmakers. Supporting these people, paying them and showing recognition will allow for continuation in production. BBB has created a community for Black filmmakers and hopes to put Salt Lake City on the map as a place for others alike in the film industry.

“I love the challenge and responsibility of sharing our story,” says Leak, discussing why he is involved. Utah Film Center is a great partner for BBB because it opens many doors for the program. Much of the programming done by the film center and BBB is free, allowing for anyone to come and experience filmmaking, community involvement and educational discussions. With the goal in mind of breaking stereotypes and stigmas around people of color, this program creates an amazing opportunity for people in the community.

Roots, Washington and Leak are looking forward to the continuing growth of BBB and believe it can be a place for people to open their minds to the possibility that there are stories outside of what they might already be aware of. “There really hasn’t been a program like this [before], and my personal ultimate goal is to keep it going as authentically and productively as possible,” says Roots.

For more on Black, Bold and Brilliant, check out utahfilmcenter.org/black-bold-brilliant, where you can read more about the programming team, upcoming events and past events.

Read more about the film community here:
Toby Cochran on Luki & The Lights and Changing the World Through Storytelling
The Wicked Eyes and Imagination of Alice Brooks