(Las Vegas, NV-IHM) What can we say about opening night at the 9th Annual Las Vegas Black Film Festival? Absolutely amazing! Ms. Michelle, the founder of the LVBFF has been shining a light on talented film producers with this star-studded award winning four-day event in Las Vegas for 9 years. It has been successfully attracting top talent worldwide. This year’s opening night included nearly 17 showings, an Emerald City themed “Flaunt It” television show and live recording by Cheryl Friday, Golden Touch Academy out of Texas and Ms. Sheneka Gunn of 1QTee Boutique. The evening closed with premiering the movie “Because of Charlie” with veteran actor Mr. John Amos followed by cocktails and a networking mixer. Who could ask for anything more? And that was just day 1.

It was LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION on the orange carpet with movie premiere hosted by Mr. Bruce Milam, Jr. The second day was filled with film screenings, the premiere of Ms. Michelle’s very own film “Kin Folk” followed by an upscale after party themed: Welcome to the Emerald City. Day three began with Get Fit for Film; exercise to get the blood pumping with SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTERS – JUAN *AKA Mr63 & Candle FRAZIER. Attendees learned from the topic how to Build your physical endurance and learn healthy living habits. Followed by The Actors Bootcamp led by SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER –Mervin Kenneth Alexander & topic Learn how to prepare for an audition and gain the tools necessary to land your next acting gig.  Next, the Master Filmmakers Seminar + Pitch Fest led by SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTERS– Ms. Michelle, Pre-Production, Mr. Tyre Mills, Director of Photography and Ms. Theresa Main, Entertainment Lawyer (Whitehead & Burnette Law firm) topic Master your skills to Write, Produce, Direct, Shoot, Edit and Pitch. The evening concluded with more film screenings and Actors Showdown Competition and after party.

On the final day of the festival (day four), many gathered to celebrate and honor America’s very own living legend Mr. John Amos. Mr. Amos, The Peoples from The Peoples Network and several others were recognized and given awards at the festival’s Soul Food “Award Brunch” Ceremony. His son was present to accompany him to the event. Both, Ms. Michelle and Mr. Amos where able to inspire and encourage the actors and film producers to continue to follow their dreams. The Industry Highlighter Magazine’s very own Latresa Boston-Holder, (executive assistant, photojournalist and street team coordinator) accompanied by street team member Sheldon Skinner attended all four days and captured this extraordinary affair for our readers.

As soon as this year’s event was over next year’s fest was already in the making. People are already beginning to submit and prepare for next year. We have no doubt that the 2023 Las Vegas Black Film Fest in its 10th year will be another fine event to remember. Please stay connected by visiting http://www.lasvegasblackfilmfestival.com to learn more about upcoming submissions.

***Coverage & content provided by Latresa Boston-Holder and edited by Carol Coco Diggs, Editor-in-Chief.