Support the Stories That Shape Us
Your gift helps uplift Black and BIPOC filmmakers, emerging creators, and the next generation of storytellers.
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Where Your Gift Goes
Every gift you make becomes part of a larger story one that lifts up artists, restores erased narratives, and gives young creators the courage to imagine something bigger for themselves. Your support doesn’t just fund programs. It fuels hope, opportunity, and legacy.
Black Reel Awards (Bolts)
Your generosity helps us honor the brilliance of Black artists whose work shapes culture and expands what’s possible on screen.
LightReel Film Festival
Your gift shines a spotlight on filmmakers whose voices deserve to be heard, giving them a platform to share stories that move, challenge, and inspire communities.
Black Reel Television Awards (BoltsTV)
You help uplift television creators whose work reflects our lives, our history, and our future—ensuring they are seen and celebrated.
Pantheon Awards
You help us honor the legends whose contributions opened doors for generations of storytellers, preserving their legacy for years to come.
Producers Institute
Your support gives emerging filmmakers the tools, training, and confidence to step into their creative power and build sustainable careers.
Reel Kids
Your contribution sparks imagination in young people, giving them the chance to hold a camera, find their voice, and tell their story—often for the first time.
The Impact of Your Support
Every donation you make reaches real people, real creators, and real communities. Your generosity fuels the work that changes lives, opens doors, and builds the future of Black storytelling.
33 BIPOC Filmmakers Supported
Your support helped LightReel highlight 33 filmmakers in 2024. This visibility creates new opportunities and strengthens the creative pipeline.
Three Signature Awards Celebrating Black Excellence
The Black Reel Awards (Bolts), The Black Reel Television Awards (BoltsTV), and the Pantheon Awards collectively elevate artists across film and television, honoring the achievements that shape our culture.
100+ Youth Engaged
Reel Kids has served more than 100 young creators across the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Students gain hands-on experience, confidence, and access to real filmmaking tools.
Thousands Reached Annually
Through screenings, festivals, educational programs, and community events, your support reaches thousands of people annually.
Each number represents a life that was touched, a story that was shared, and a future that was shaped.
Voices Your Gift Supports
The impact of your generosity is reflected in the people who experience our programs. These are the stories that remind us why your support matters.
“Before Reel Kids, I never thought I could tell my own story on film. Now I want to be a director.”
Emani, Age 13
“I’m thoroughly pleased with my experience at the LightReel Film Festival. The networking and overall experience was first class.”
Keith Lawson, Filmmaker, LightReel
“The Producers Institute helped me understand my voice as a filmmaker. I gained skills and confidence that I will carry into my career.”
Emerging Creator
“It was an honore to receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award at the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards.”
Chaz Ebert, Black Reel Honoree
Help Us Champion the Stories That Deserve to Be Seen
Your support today helps ensure that Black and BIPOC creators have the platforms, recognition, and opportunities they deserve. When you give now, you strengthen the voices, stories, and futures that shape our culture. Every gift makes an immediate difference, and there is no better moment to stand with us.
Thank you for believing in this work.