The Black Film & Theater Initiative at UCLA

The Black Film and Theater Initiative (BFTI) is a student-led organization that intends to uplift and showcase Black media art from artists across the African Diaspora. This art includes, but is not limited to, films, plays, television pilots, screenplays, and other forms of written content. Black art is a commodity that is celebrated globally. However Black artists are underrepresented and neglected by many in the western world. As the entertainment industry evolves over time, conversations of representation, inclusivity, and equity highlight the importance of Black artistry. We at the Black and Film Theater Initiative want to push for diverse storytelling for all inspired Black artists. We are looking to tell authentic stories of Black life from various perspectives and different artists. The organization is led by students from the School of Theater, Film & Television, however membership extends to students from various majors with a passion for storytelling. All student work culminates in the Rebellion Remembrance Festival in February, which is a three-day student showcase of films, television pilots, plays, and monologues. The first day will be a film festival; the second day will be a showing of plays and monologues; the third day will be an award show and Q&A with the creators. The showcase is a tribute to the L.A. Rebellion, where BIPOC filmmakers from UCLA produced work that told authentic Black stories. As an organization, the Black Film and Theater Initiative will provide students with resources, collaborators, and confidence in themselves to create meaningful art, regardless of expertise or experience.